Home remodeler and interior designer Jeff Lewis rose to fame on the Bravo reality show Flipping Out. For 11 seasons, from 2007 to 2018, viewers followed Lewis and his staff as they worked on various projects for his consulting firm, Jeff Lewis Design.
During the Emmy-nominated series' run, Lewis proved to be an undeniably tough boss, as evidenced by the quick firings of several employees from his team and the strained friendships he saw after Lewis unexpectedly split with a longtime assistant and collaborator.
From employees who only lasted one episode to those who left after knowing Lewis for years, Flipping Out profiles all of the employees the designer has parted ways with.
Brandt Wiwi
Brant Wiwi appeared on the Bravo reality show Flipping Out in 2007. Bravo
During the 2007 premiere of Flipping Out, Lewis slammed Brandt Wiwi for parking his car to take a personal call during working hours.
“If I pull over to take a personal phone call, I'm wasting my time,” Lewis said, “that I could be working on my to-do list.” Shortly thereafter, Lewis was fired.
During the confrontation, Wiwi said, “No, I quit,” to which Lewis responded, “I fired you before you quit, so you're fired.”
Stephen Bowman
Stephen Bowman starred in the Bravo reality show “Flipping Out” in 2007. Bravo
Lewis' famous rage at Stephen Bowman for continually asking for onions removed from his meals ultimately contributed to the breakdown of their professional relationship.
Bowman frequently complained about trash and cleanup of human waste at construction sites, but Lewis said it was an attitude issue that led to his firing.
Chris Elwood
Chris Elwood appeared on the Bravo reality show “Flipping Out” in 2008. Bravo
Jenny Pulos' ex-husband Chris Elwood was fired midway through season two of “Flipping Out” after Lewis set up cameras to see who had been going into his office and messing around with his computer.
“This is not OK,” Lewis said. “I don't think this is something that can be undone, and at this point I've decided that I have to fire you.”
Chris Kessler
Chris Kessler appeared on the Bravo reality show “Flipping Out” in 2008. Bravo
Initially, Chris Kessler was dubbed “the new Chris” by Lewis and they considered hiring him as Elwood's replacement, but Kessler realized there was no room for growth beyond an assistant within the company and left on good terms.
“I really wanted to be the assistant he needed, but without the requirements of the job and the perks of learning the business, it just wasn't worth it,” Kessler said.
Lewis apologized to Kessler and acknowledged he'd been insensitive at times, but Kessler eventually resigned. “It sucks,” Lewis said.
Trace Lehnhoff
Trace Lehnhoff on the Bravo reality show “Flipping Out” circa 2009. Bravo
Trace Lehnhoff, who had been hired as an intern straight out of design school and later promoted to associate designer, was fired after Lewis and his then-partner Gage Edwards looked into his computer history and found that he had been working on personal projects during work hours.
Sarah Berkman
Sarah Berkman on the Bravo reality show Flipping Out circa 2009. Bravo
Even Lewis' family was not spared from his firing. Lewis said it was one of the hardest firings he'd ever had, but he ultimately fired his sister-in-law because she was stressed, unhappy and making a lot of mistakes, including forgetting to write up a client's budget.
Lewis pulled out Sarah Berkman's file on violations and said it wasn't completely filled up, but it was close, so he released her.
Jet Pink
Jet Pink appeared on Bravo's reality show Flipping Out in 2011. Bravo
Lewis once described Jet Pink as “the best house assistant ever,” but he eventually left the company to pursue other opportunities sometime between seasons five and six.
Katrina Stagg
Katrina Stagg appeared on the Bravo reality show Flipping Out in 2012. Bravo
Katrina Stagg interned at Jeff Lewis Design before leaving midway through season six to pursue a career with Dunn Edwards Paint.
Andrew Coleman
Andrew Coleman in the Bravo reality show “Flipping Out” circa 2014. Bravo
After uncovering a series of false statements by Andrew Coleman, including inconsistencies in his resume, where he lived and whether he owned his apartment, Lewis approached Coleman to ensure he was not a “compulsive liar.”
This sparked an explosive situation, with Coleman telling Lewis that the explanation he was asking about was not relevant to him.
“He said it was none of my business, but if you lie to me then it's my business,” Lewis said, telling Coleman she was beginning to doubt everything he'd ever said.
“Then doubt it,” Coleman responded. “It was a pleasure working with you.” Coleman then removed his microphone, dropped it on the table, walked out, slammed the door and drove off in his car, throwing his parking permit out the window.
The two seemingly reconciled over the next few years, with Coleman appearing on Lewis' SiriusXM radio show “Jeff Lewis Live” and the designer's series “Hollywood Houselift with Jeff Lewis.”
Joe Potts
Joe Potts stars in the Bravo reality show Flipping Out (circa 2018). Bravo
Initially, Lewis hired Joe Potts as a project manager and then as an office assistant. Potts later became an assistant to Jeff's housekeeper, Zoila. But after seven months of trying to find work with Jeff Lewis Designs, he was fired.
“I created this position for you, and it's something I don't really need,” Lewis said before telling Potts he was fired. “And I just felt sad. I felt sorry.”
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan appeared on Bravo's reality show “Flipping Out” in 2017. Bravo
Matt Ryan left the show to continue working with former employer Kris Jenner, in what may have been one of the most amicable departures on Flipping Out. Louis hosted a farewell dinner for Ryan on his final day, and Edward cried as he said an emotional farewell to Ryan.
“Now, if I say, 'I'm quitting,' he doesn't cry,” Lewis said. “But with Matt, if I say, 'I'm quitting,' he just bursts into tears. Tears and hysterics.”
Ashlynn Leon
Ashlyn Leon appeared on Bravo's reality show “Flipping Out” in 2016. Bravo
After four months working as Kendall and Kylie Jenner's assistant, Leon was hired as a design assistant at Jeff Lewis Designs. However, Lewis frequently teased her for attending music festivals and failing the ultimate test of singing “Glow Shark.” During the season 10 premiere, she never showed up to work.
Taylor Patterson
Taylor Patterson (right) appeared on Bravo's reality show “Flipping Out” in 2017. Bravo
After 89 days at Jeff Lewis Design, Taylor Patterson decided to send a performance review to Lewis and Edward at 12:14 a.m. It began with, “I'm almost 90 days old so I thought now would be a good time to let you know what I think. Also, when I was first hired, we didn't really talk much about how bonuses work.”
Lewis wasn't buying it, writing back, “Gage and I have read your email and have decided to terminate your employment effective immediately. We thank you for your 90 days of service.”
Patterson was so upset when he was fired that he sent Lewis a nasty email saying, “Jeff, fuck you. You're a nobody. I'm worried your daughter won't grow up to be a decent person. My heart goes out to Gage.”
Vanina Alfaro
Vanina Alfaro appeared on Bravo's reality show “Flipping Out” in 2018. Bravo
Although Ruiz understood her decision to quit and pleaded with her to stay, Vanina Alfaro ultimately decided to pursue her own business ventures.
“If you want the moon, go ahead,” Lewis said in Season 10. “If I have good employees, I'll fight for them. I have to walk away from this job knowing I've done everything I could. This is the end, this is my last resort.”
Zoila Chavez
Zoila Chavez appeared on Bravo's reality show “Flipping Out” in 2016. Bravo
Zoila Chavez, Mr. Luis' trusted housekeeper of 18 years, retired in August 2017.
“It was very hard,” Lewis said of the breakup in a phone interview with People magazine. “We're happy for her in her new life, but of course we were sad and we missed her.”
Over the years, the pair have had some serious ups and downs: In season 9, Lewis threatened to fire Chavez after he walked out while he was preparing for a business trip.
“You better really think about what you're doing now, because there's no turning back,” Lewis warned her in a tense voicemail during the show. “I promise you, there's no turning back.” In the end, he didn't fire her.
Jenni Pulos
Television personality Jenni Pulos visits the set of Extra at New York Studios at H&M Times Square on August 1, 2016 in New York City.
Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images
On September 6, 2018, People magazine exclusively reported that Pulos and Lewis had ended their 20-year friendship.
“They became so famous together that it always seemed like nothing could ever tear them apart, but that wasn't the case,” a source told People magazine. “They'll never get over it. It's over now.”
Mr Lewis raised the issue on Jeff Lewis Live, claiming Ms Ploss complained about “mistreatment and abuse” but her complaint was dismissed before she could file charges of unfair dismissal.
“My whole career has been put at risk by her making these allegations,” Lewis said. “My family, my livelihood, everything.”
Tyler Meyer Course
A portrait of Tyler Meyerkorth from Bravo's reality show “Flipping Out.”
Bravo/Getty Images
On September 30, 2020, People magazine reported that Lewis had fired Tyler Meyerkors, his design assistant of four years, following a suspicious dispute over the purchase of a sofa.
Lewis addressed the issue on Jeff Lewis Live, explaining that he believes Meyerkors was secretly purchasing furniture for friends and private clients who were not Jeff Lewis Design clients, but outside the firm.
“I had an employee who was really loyal, who I really respected and who I considered a friend,” Lewis said. “I had to fire her. It was a huge shock.”
Despite the criticism, Lewis still praised Meyerkors' work and commended him for continuing to support the reality TV star during a difficult time.