Undercover Boss - General Discussion

[Taylorh2]

I do believe this show is 'scripted' to a certain extent but Jessica was clearly blindsided by the firing and DB was clearly taken aback by Jessica not wanting to give her resume to him. See the look on his face ?  lol

[shksabelle]

What a completely repulsive douchebag. 

Grace is going to "lead" the promo girl effort.

This chick knew she was on UB, "am I going to get free boobies today?"

I'm sure her parents are so proud.

If there is any such thing as karma, this a$$hat will go bankrupt.
 

[jmonkey]

I agree with everyone. This guy was a real uberdouche. Even by "breastraunt" standards he was pretty skeevy. Pretty unbelievable that he fired Jessica for not wanting to work at Bikini's long term. Newsflash, bud! No one wants to work for Bikini's long term. In fact, Grace, who should've been fired too, will probably hop over to Hooters or Twin Peaks once she gets her "boobies." But seriously, working at a "breastraunt" usually has limitations for a waitress. These places are typically designed to make decent money in the short term. Even if the women want to work there longer and can get past the drunk perverts hitting on them daily, hot bodies are hard to maintain and not all the girls are management material. I thought the "breastraunt" genre was booming, but they didn't seem to have many customers. That's bad for morale, and the girls can't make much in tips if they have no customers. This DB needs to get people in his restaurants and make sure that the managers are actually managing.

 

While hot, I thought Grace was kind of trashy, and I think the CEO kept her on because he thinks he has a chance of scoring with her after she gets her new "boobies." I thought his gifts for the manager were somewhat generous, but whoopty do to the 30% raise given to the black kitchen manager. I guess he also got a dream vacation out of it too. But man, this CEO is terrible and his "breastraunt" needs major improvement and comprehensive changes. But then again, let's hope he does nothing and this place goes out of business for the sake of humanity.

Edited December 29, 2014 by jmonkey

[Vanderfabulous]

Ahhh, so it wasn't just me?  I only caught the last15 minutes of the episode, but was repulsed by the UB.  Especially how he treated Jessica.  That girl gave him exactly what he deserved.   I was so impressed at how she managed to make some extremely valid points about his lousy management skills (observing how absurd it was, expecting her to rely on someone who had FIRED her, to help her get another job), about how unrealistic he was to think anyone would want to work there forever.

 

I hope someone with great influence was watching that show.  I hope they noticed how insightful she was.  I hope they offered her a job based on her TALENTS and not her appearance, or her desire to wiggle her naked body around in public.

 

You go, Jessica.  You probably did yourself one of the biggest favors of your life by going off on that creep.

[Trini]

I'm not familiar with these "breasturants"*, save for Hooters, but the entire concept seems like a major lawsuit(or several) just waiting to happen.

 

*Ew I feel dirty just typing that out

[backformore]

Yeah, the bartender  didn't want to be seen on TV in a bikini because she has some self-respect and is likely embarrassed that she has to work at a sleazy place like this.  The CEO seemed puzzled by the idea that a woman would NOT think working at his place was a great career.  

 

Maybe it's just me, but the bikini waitresses, or whatever they were called seemed a lot sleazier than when UB did similar shows on Tilted Kilt and Hooters.  Maybe because they didn't have standard uniforms, just a bikini top, jean shorts and boots.  Maybe it was because so many of the women were covered in tattoos.  

Added to that, the practices in the kitchen - not hiring someone to wash dishes, expecting employees to get the dishes done in addition to their jobs.  The place didn't seem to be very busy, maybe business is slow because the place has a reputation of being sleazy and low-class.   

 

Now, I think  Hooters and Tilted Kilt are pretty bad, I'd never give them my business.  But at least those places pretend to be about the food, and on UB, the places looked clean and bright.  Bikinis looked like one of those restaurants where, you walk in the door and smell mildew and  rancid oil .

Edited December 30, 2014 by backformore

[captain1]

Even though I am a woman, I enjoy going to Hooters - never been to any of the other "breastaurants".  Hooters does have delicious wings and always seems clean.  I believe they have fairly strict rules about what the customers can do or say to the Hooter girls.  And the Hooter girls themselves always seem well groomed and well spoken.  At least at the few I have been to.  After seeing this episode, I don't think I would be caught dead in a Bikini's, no matter how awesome their food might be ( and somehow, I don't think it is LOL).  Even my husband said it looked too trashy and he wouldn't want to go there.

[coloradoqt]

 

Yeah, the bartender  didn't want to be seen on TV in a bikini because she has some self-respect and is likely embarrassed that she has to work at a sleazy place like this

Women who work at "sleazy places like this", have a choice.

They work there because they know most men will tip a topless/half dressed girl more than if they are fully clothed. She was hired, knowing wearing a bikini was the uniform.

CEO had every right to be pissed. It's as if she felt her place of employment was beneath her and that's ok.

She should have been fired long before this.

I don't think the idea of her being there forever bothered him as much as her attitude about working there now.

This is the  kind of place where "customer service" is more than a smile. Bikini bars, topless barber shops, topless car wash are all  the same. If you are too embarrassed to work (at a sleazy place like this) and wear the uniform, the employer hired you to wear, then hey, move on, there are others waiting to take your job.

I bet when she interviewed for the job, knowing what it was, her attitude was not as shitty.

I bet CEO will find someone to replace her before she finds another job.  

The other chick was right for this environment, shallow and vain.

He gets her boobs fixed, she proudly shows them off, men who wants to see her show off, come in, sit ,buy beer,(probably inflated prices) and spend money the CEO writes it off as a business expense. He does what he is in business to do, make more money.

The CEO wins.   

Edited December 31, 2014 by coloradoqt

[Jamoche]

Forget all the sexism.  Here again we have a concept which refuses to pay to even properly clean dirty dishes/utensils.  The kitchen manager is supposed to do that AND manage a busy kitchen?  Are you serious?!!!!

ITA. The number of times I've seen Gordon Ramsey cuss out some clueless owner/manager who's doing the cleaning instead of the actual managing part of the job...

[springtime]

After watching the episode and reading all your great comments- I'm thinking Kitchen Nightmares would have been the better choice-

to give the CEO a clue!

Edited December 31, 2014 by springtime

[Lonesome Rhodes]

Here's a follow-up to the Buffets, Inc. (Ovation) unit near me.

 

They lowered the quality of their meats, offered non-meat breakfast items (super cheap) for supper, which took the place of protein offerings.  They raised the prices.

 

One fine day right after Thanksgiving, the employees caught wind of a plan to shut down.  The manager called corporate and was assured that no such a thing was being contemplated.  Within a couple hours of closing, two trucks showed up and movers emptied out the place of literally anything not original to the building they leased before Noon.  Merry Christmas, y'all.

 

There was no opportunity for placement of the dedicated folks who worked so hard and faithfully for them, several for many years.   Any number of them would have qualified for the charity porn we see on UB each week.  Really sad.  

 

Ovation was not wrong to decide to cut bait and close the place.  But, they showed their true colors by lying to even their manager as to the imminent closing.  If they had been upfront, the workers may have had a chance to catch on somewhere doing seasonal hiring.  But no, they decided to wring every last buck out of the Thanksgiving bonanza and run. 

Edited January 1, 2015 by Lonesome Rhodes

[rachel1496]

CEO had every right to be pissed. It's as if she felt her place of employment was beneath her and that's ok.

She should have been fired long before this.

I don't think the idea of her being there forever bothered him as much as her attitude about working there now.

I disagree.  If she was standing behind the bar talking about how she'd rather be anywhere else then fire her but if she's doing her job properly then she has every right to feel the way she does.  Her only objection to wearing the bikini top was doing it on camera, every other day she shows up in the bikini top, puts on the fake smile and provides the service that is expected of her. 

[springtime]

At a local restaurant, a friend of mine (with restaurant experience) was appalled that a (female) bartender was serving in a sleeveless tee.

A quick search led me to these basic guidelines for waitstaff:

Bikinis should take a look!

http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2013/07/16/waiter-fashion-taboos/

 

Tank Tops
Two words: underarm hair. And for some of you ladies: underarm stubble. You’re not gaining THAT much more cool air by shunning sleeves. Stick to standard short sleeves so we don’t have to see your pits. (Note: There’s a reason we say something is “the pits” when we don’t like it.)

 

 

[nottopbravo]

Isn't it strange that the employee he gave the most to, said FU to Maaco?

[Bronzedog]

This guy wasn't as repulsive as the Bikini guy, but then few people are, however to reward two people with repairs to their shops?? Stuff Maaco should be doing in the first place? I know they are franchises but they are still under Maaco supervision and making money for Maaco. No surprise that he couldn't do enough for the guy that reminded him of himself. At least he gave the remaining guy a vacation in Fla. Then the guy left Maaco and moved to FL. Ha

[Fostersmom]

Uh, I'm pretty sure the 10 month President has no clue what he bought into. I'm sure they sold the company hard to him and I'd bet he hadn't even heard of the company until they contacted him and has no clue they have been known for the shittiest work around for 30+ years. Honestly, I was surprised they were even still in business. I can't even remember the last time I heard of or saw one. It should have been a giant red flag that every single employee preached nothing but speed, gotta work fast to churn out those half assed painted cars. I almost felt bad for the cutting corners guy, I'd believe that was exactly the way he had been trained and that was exactly what was expected in every location he worked for. If he actually took the time to do it right, he'd have been canned long ago for not being fast enough. Notice the new protege mentioned he had to paint his garbage cans himself if he wanted them done right, meaning everyone else half assed it. I kinda love the most inspirational guy took his vacation and bolted to Florida. Did he get to keep the whopping $5000 scholarships for his kids or the cash for a house? 

Edited January 3, 2015 by Fostersmom

[Lonesome Rhodes]

This was among the best UB eps I've seen.  It got real.  The tension between corporate and weathered owner-operator franchisees is a huge part of American business.  Bless TPTB for including that owner's rant against corporate taking their franchise fees and devoting them to marketing which has zero to do with his business.  He was dead-on and Jose has no good answer for him.  So, he bribed him with sweeteners that he could never afford to give all the other deserving franchisees.  Just wait till all of them get a load of the requirement for the new look MAACO imposes on them!  There will be open rebellion.  

 

How awesome was it to hear Jim explain how he was trained to cut corners by the three previous shops he worked at!  Jose again had no good answer for him.  Then, we had an all-time UB moment:  Jim told Jose to his face that everyone knows MAACO is cheap!  Again, bless TPTB for including this.  Wow.  Jim spaketh the truth.  I would never, ever, choose MAACO for any job.  Seeing how the owners and managers work their folks to the bone at a ridiculous pace, along with having seen some really lousy paint jobs done by different shops, why would I reward them?  

 

I'm not sure how perfect paint dude is allowed the luxury of his high standard.  He must have an unusually enlightened franchisee.  That owner should have been featured, as well.

 

Loved Acey.  His skill will always be in demand.  I hope he has found himself a much better situation.  Happily, that would not be a difficult thing.  He would make for an excellent car wash/detailing manager and later an owner/operator.  

 

I wonder if Jose left BK because a head hunter discovered him, or if he got out one step ahead of the job reaper.  He seemed to be precisely the type of executive that I can not stand and who are very big making plans that are crammed down the throats of the smaller investors who have the biz in their blood.  I know BK spent millions and millions on various incentives/initiatives and programs that many of their franchisees strenuously, and in some cases successfully, fought around the time Jose was there.  I'll be watching to see if he'll stick around long enough to see his new standardized and expensive building protocols, most of which will be in very run down areas of various cities, implemented.  My guess is the grizzled owners will fight him for every nickel, and ultimately laugh him out of his job.  Of course, he probably has a nice parachute which at a minimum, indemnifies his investment of his "life savings" in the corporation.  You know, that "American Dream" he kept talking about!

Edited January 3, 2015 by Lonesome Rhodes

[Bronzedog]

I don't care that the bartender was fired. That's obviously a management decision. However, firing her on camera was an obvious attempt to demean and humiliate her IMO. Totally unnecessary.

[jmonkey]

This guy wasn't as repulsive as the Bikini guy, but then few people are, however to reward two people with repairs to their shops?? Stuff Maaco should be doing in the first place? I know they are franchises but they are still under Maaco supervision and making money for Maaco. No surprise that he couldn't do enough for the guy that reminded him of himself. At least he gave the remaining guy a vacation in Fla. Then the guy left Maaco and moved to FL. Ha

Yeah, Jose wasn't as big of a boob as Doug Guller, but I thought he seemed pretty out of touch with the company he's in charge of leading. The "American Dream" was a little heavy handed in this episode too. It sounds like the Maaco employees featured were living the American nightmare before UB came to the rescue (for the good employees at least).

 

I missed the portion with Jim and didn't see which corners he cut. I never know when UB is on and always seem to catch it halfway through. However, his situation, from what I gathered from the meeting with the CEO, really resonates with me. I have a quota-based job where pay is based solely on numbers (quality of work and positive attitude don't matter at all), and my co-workers and I cut corners constantly. Everyone is scared that if they aren't productive enough that their pay is going to decrease and nobody can afford a pay cut in this economy.

 

It seems, like my company, that Maaco (and most low-paying gigs) stress speed for profit purposes, which can often result in shoddy quality. In my company, my co-workers as a group decided to increase speed by ignoring stupid company policies that have nothing to do with the tasks at hand in order to meet quotas. If we followed them, it would slow us down and would not only jeopardize our pay, but it would also negatively impact the company's bottom line. Corporate is so out of touch that they either don't realize what's going on or just turn a blind eye to the blatant disregard for company procedure. It's most likely the latter since they have reported record profits this past quarter (none of which we see a dime of since raises are no longer a possibility).

 

It's always funny when someone from corporate visits us once every 5 years because management has to remind us to implement all of the policies we were supposed to be following everyday. Whenever a corporate representative visits, they get the cook's tour and have no idea about what really goes on on a daily basis. They would be appalled if they knew how few of the procedures we actually follow. I do feel bad for the customers. Many of them are completely dissatisfied with our service because of our singular focus on speed. But then again, I didn't come up with the idea to make pay based solely on speed, and I have to do enough to ensure my pay doesn't get docked.

 

My point is that I sympathize with Jim. Oftentimes the people who are in the field doing the work can better assess what corners can be cut than corporate. Over time they figure out what the best practices are and that can even benefit corporate as long as the corners cut aren't too major. I'm not sure if the corners Jim was cutting were major or not, but it seems like he and his trainers believed they were unimportant tasks to the overall job. I feel like Jose should be open to re-evaluating how employees are compensated or policy instead of just reprimanding Jim for cutting corners. I feel like an opportunity was missed to improve policies. I guess Jim couldn't adhere to the policies in place because he quit. Good for him. Maaco doesn't seem like that great of a company to work for.

 

Good on Acey for taking the UB gifts and running. I would do the exact same thing. I respect that he was able to overcome his troubled past to be a productive member of society. That speaks volumes about his character. However, what irks me about this show is that many times UB bails out people who have made terrible choices in life. For example, they reward employees who have kids they can't afford to take care of or employees with a criminal past.

 

What about the folks who are law-abiding citizens and do the right thing who may not have a lot of baggage, but work hard everyday for very little compensation? Maybe they don't have a sick kid or a mountain of debt, but they are responsible enough to make it on very little in life and are fortunate enough to not have anything that bad happen to them. These people tend to get overlooked on UB because they don't provide enough drama with their backstory. I'm sure other Maaco employees were livid when they saw their counterparts on screen getting those lavish rewards. I'd imagine it'd be hard to continue working for Maaco for some after watching that. While Acey is in sunny Florida starting a new life, many MAACO employees will go back to their crummy jobs working too hard for too little often in poor conditions just like Rambo.

Edited January 3, 2015 by jmonkey

[wknt3]

I was home sick and ended up catching this. I actually liked this a lot more than most episodes I've seen, There was more focus on the business than is often the case and I thought I was able to learn a little something about it although as usual I had to ignore the theme of the week being pounded home over and over. Has there ever been a more scripted reality show?

Edited January 3, 2015 by wknt3

[Lonesome Rhodes]

jmonkey - you nailed it when you decried the lionization of the prodigal sons over the loyal ones.  I have had heated arguments with theologians through the years that this gospel more angers than inspires.  In theater, the redemptive arc is always more interesting than the boring life of moderation, though.   

 

The concept of redemption is outrageously important for humans.  Many would say it is miraculous.  However, with every single TV and movie drama focusing on the bad boys, modern society has been fed a twisted idealization of willful and bad decisionmaking.  I am really pleased for Acey.  It was awesome to hear his story.  I was more awed by Ranbo, and even the owner, as they spoke of the faith in hard work and flying right they have lived.  It is ever so much harder to not give in and cut corners, or lie and cheat, when things aren't going great.  To me, these folks are the real deal.

[Lonesome Rhodes]

I don't care that the bartender was fired. That's obviously a management decision. However, firing her on camera was an obvious attempt to demean and humiliate her IMO. Totally unnecessary.

Here is how twisted things often get on TV:

 

We were expected to side with an owner who ordered a woman to look and behave as a slut on national TV.  We were to have disdain for her refusal to subject herself to that debasing edict.  Then, we were to think how the owner had so much integrity by demanding an employee adhere to a work standard.  How DARE she take his money and not do as he demands!

 

Hmmm.  No scene of CEO ripping the manager for allowing her to work while covered?  That he has a bartender who is so utterly oblivious to overserving (no way in Hades was this a first offense.  It is ingrained since the bar makes more money and the employees make better tips)?  Why wasn't HE fired?

 

This is about as ugly as it gets.  

 

By the by, we were also not supposed to notice that the drunk was way past a point where he should have been served long before the heroic CEO thought.  He was perfectly fine serving him after three consecutive doubles within 30 minutes.  With that body mass, dude was most certainly legally drunk.  

Edited January 4, 2015 by Lonesome Rhodes

[Beach Party]

Did Jose the boss really not know a VIN number? Hopefully that was a purposeful part of his undercover act.     

[Brian Cronin]

This guy was a joke but clearly that was what Undercover Boss was looking for. It's no coincidence that they've featured a few different "breastaurants" on the show so far. 

 

As douchey as this guy was (and he was extremely douchey), I suppose I kind of sort of appreciate the fact that he wasn't trying to hide the fact that his restaurant was slimy, unlike the douchey Tilted Kilt guy. 

[nottopbravo]

 However, what irks me about this show is that many times UB bails out people who have made terrible choices in life. For example, they reward employees who have kids they can't afford to take care of or employees with a criminal past.

 

 

 

I'm still shaking my head at the "True Value" episode where the "boss" paid for $12,000 in parking tickets his employee had.  Not $1200, but $12,000.  How the hell does someone rack up that much money in parking tickets?  Park in a handicapped spot for 10 years?  I don't get it.  Talk about rewarding bad behavior.

[jmonkey]

I'm still shaking my head at the "True Value" episode where the "boss" paid for $12,000 in parking tickets his employee had.  Not $1200, but $12,000.  How the hell does someone rack up that much money in parking tickets?  Park in a handicapped spot for 10 years?  I don't get it.  Talk about rewarding bad behavior.

Wow! Seriously? I missed that episode, but this is exactly the type of rewarding bad behavior that I don't get on this show. Giving money to an employee for a well-deserved vacation or a much-needed surgery for a sick child is noble, but I can't see rewarding a bad parker to the tune of $12,000. That kind of irresponsibility shouldn't be rewarded. I'm not sure what that employee's entire backstory was, but there had to have been better people to help. 

Edited January 5, 2015 by jmonkey

[Fostersmom]

I was kinda shocked that we got not one, but two guys working for Maaco with records. Judging by the time they served, I would guess felony records. And while I know it's completely illegal to not hire those with a felony record, out side of certain positions, most companies don't. It's easy to skip that application in the stack, at least it was when I hired for retail stores. So I do give them props for giving those guys a second chance, but yeah, it must really suck to be an employee without a record who busts their ass and watching the guys with a record get prizes because it makes a better story line. 

[tobeannounced]

I was literally screaming at the TV, "Does he not realize he's being filmed?" when cutting-corners guy was spilling his guts.  Apparently he has absolutely no filter.  My husband said that's the reputation Maaco has though.  What do the higher-ups expect when someone's compensation is totally commission-based in a job like that?  I don't blame the guy for leaving the company.  I mean, it never occurred to the boss that that is how the guy had been trained?  Why not call his managers on the carpet as well?

[StatisticalOutlier]

I was kinda shocked that we got not one, but two guys working for Maaco with records. Judging by the time they served, I would guess felony records. And while I know it's completely illegal to not hire those with a felony record, out side of certain positions, most companies don't. It's easy to skip that application in the stack, at least it was when I hired for retail stores. So I do give them props for giving those guys a second chance, but yeah, it must really suck to be an employee without a record who busts their ass and watching the guys with a record get prizes because it makes a better story line. 

 

I was actually impressed that Maaco was hiring people with a record, except, of course, the poor s.o.b.s are having to work for Maaco and we now all know what that's like. 

 

A felony conviction might be worrying in retail, but if all you let the guy do is man a spray gun, I don't see a reason, per se, that his record should disqualify him.  Or, well, you should probably inventory the tools every night--I don't know about in a shop but they sure do go missing from trucks a lot.

 

Anyway, the job prospects for convicted felons are miserable, and a job is a good first step in avoiding returning to prison.  So good for Maaco for hiring them, bad for Maaco for being a terrible place to work.  But, hey, felons, I said you deserve a job; I never said you deserve a good job.  You're a felon.  Take what you can get.  I guess.

 

I particularly despise (and therefore generally skip) the big rewards for having a hard-luck story.  I object just because of basic fairness--why does the fuck up get rewarded?  But mainly because people's situations are all so nuanced, and I understand that nuance is not a big draw in reality TV.  (Your wife got cancer and you went bankrupt.  That's terrible.  But wait, she smoked 3 packs a day for 30 years, and chose to buy cigarettes instead of health insurance?  Hmmm...) 

 

But as a person who lives cautiously in order to avoid being a hard-luck story, it's annoying to know nobody is ever going to say, "Hey, thanks for being a net asset to society--here's $20,000." 

 

 

I was literally screaming at the TV, "Does he not realize he's being filmed?" when cutting-corners guy was spilling his guts.  Apparently he has absolutely no filter.  My husband said that's the reputation Maaco has though.  What do the higher-ups expect when someone's compensation is totally commission-based in a job like that? 

 

I wouldn't say he has no filter.  Like I don't have a filter when I say, "It's nice weather out today."  I think the Maaco way of painting a car is about as obvious as the weather.  That's what Mr. Outlier pointed out--Maaco paint jobs are less expensive than fancy paint jobs for a reason, and it's crazy to think you're going to get anything more than an "okay at best" paint job for that kind of money.  That doesn't make Maaco an evil company--there are plenty of dollar stores satisfying customers with their cheap shit.  But the CEO didn't want to acknowledge that Maaco's niche is providing paint jobs that reflect what they cost.

 

In a prior life, I was a hearing officer for unemployment claims cases.  I'll never forget looking at a car body shop employee's records, which showed him working like 140 hours a week, or something literally impossible.  They explained that the "book" time for a job is what the employee gets paid.  So if the book, which all body shops use, shows 2.3 hours for repair and repaint of a given body part, the employee gets paid for 2.3 hours regardless of how long it actually takes him.  The scales fell from my young eyes.

[photo fox]

Jose Costa, the Venezuelan-born President of Maaco, goes under the hood to inspect "America's Bodyshop". On the job, the boss gets overheated when he finds an employee cutting corners. Additionally, the boss’s detailing work could stand to be fine-tuned.

[photo fox]

Gina Rivera, Founder and President of Phenix Salons INC., a franchise which offers independent salon and business professionals the opportunity to own and operate their own luxury salon suites, goes undercover to see if it will color her perception of how the company is running,

[StatisticalOutlier]

I tried, but I just couldn't do it.  I counted I think 5 "actually"s in the initial bit, and then the first employee used it twice, and I was out.

[Bronzedog]

Boy, she was really generous. However, I've known and worked with people for years and never shared the kind of personal information all of her employees told her within a day. If this show is legit, everyone on tonight's show must have suspected who she was. There was just too much info from everyone of them.

[jmonkey]

I soldiered through the entire episode. I should say I had it on in the background while I worked on something else. The CEO was really nice and caring, but I couldn't believe they would let her shave that guy. I was so nervous watching that and that seemed like such a liability.

 

The last guy really got to me (I'm not a crier, but I wanted to) with his surrogate having a 1 pound baby and $2 million in medical bills. It was really touching to hear about his homeless backstory and even better that he gave back by giving a free haircut to a woman who I presume was living in a homeless shelter (which looked like a really nice home).

 

The rewards were beyond generous and deserving again. I can't help but think that CBS is helping cover the bill for the lavish gifts. Phenix is still a growing company, so for them to pay for all of the gifts (cars, vacations, house, etc.) entirely would be a significant enough of a hit for them. It was incredibly generous that she gave the guy $250,000 towards a house in addition to a car.

Edited January 10, 2015 by jmonkey

[Bronzedog]

I did think, after hearing all the rewards that had to amount to several hundred thousand dollars, that I hoped the company didn't now go bankrupt. That was a homeless shelter they went to to give the haircut. He said he was so happy that shelters no longer necessarily look like shelters because when he was in one it was a large, industrial looking building and people would point at it and say "that's the homeless shelter."

[ChicagoCita]

I finally did it, I cried like a baby at the end of this one.  The guy with his husband who had to stay at home full-time with their special needs baby and his two-million-dollar hospital bill... oh, Lord, if any deserves heaps and heaps of goodness, it's he.  My cold stone heart finally grew a size tonight.

 

I've read that people who are poor are proportionally more generous than rich people, and the fact that he gave haircuts to people at the homeless shelter, so soon after being homeless himself, bore that out.

 

I hope that someone watching the show can help him to negotiate a better deal with the hospital than being two million dollars in debt.  That's insane!  I don't know what the laws are regarding medical debt, but it seems like the couple should have another option than that enormous debt hanging over their heads for the rest of their lives.

 

After the "free boobies" show, this one was a real palate cleanser.  It made me happy.  I don't know if there are Phenix Salons in my area, but I'm going to look and see.  So yeah, I'm doing exactly what they want me to, but this one made me feel good about the company.

[Lonesome Rhodes]

How this company developed this concept and never thought to include minimal soundproofing is astounding.  It seems like they didn't think out the franchisee rules of operation too well, either.   Does the Phenix brand guarantee a minimum amount of support to any lessee?  I bet the lawyers would never go for such and put that all on the franchisees.  What about marketing?  If I am a lessee (barber, nail tech, etc.) why would I choose to pay more for space if there wasn't some kind of branding and local marketing promised. 

 

I, too, had a heck of a time staying focused for this ep.  I've never been less invested in an ep.  I do hope things work out for all concerned.

[Diana Berry]

I'm also thinking that the network must put some money toward the gifts since it was a growing company. The boss did seem like a nice, caring person. Yea, I went and googled Phenix after the show.

[Crucial]

This one was one of my favorite episodes.  At first I didn't care for the boss but as I watched the show I did a 180 on her.  I loved all the employees and normally I don't.  The guy at the end, I'm so glad he got a home and a car.  His story was so heartbreaking.  I liked that the employee who gets a percentage of the products that are sold.  I hope they are big sellers for her.  For me this episode seemed genuine and that's not something I usually say about this show.

[walnutqueen]

This episode got to me, too.  That boss is a beautiful lady - inside and out.

 

Over 30 years ago when I moved to this great country from Canada, my only hesitation was the fear of not having medical coverage.  I later took a civil service job for the medical/dental and stayed there for 25 years because of it.  The thought of losing everything and being in debt forever because of some medical mishap is still unimaginable to me.  :-(

[Fostersmom]

See… this is what this show should be like. These people did everything right (from what we saw) and their hardships were the result of unfortunate circumstance. No lengthy jail stints, $10,000 in parking tickets, being fired repeatedly for not showing up to work, or treating the job as their own personal hook up site. If I was a Phenix Salon employee, I'd be thrilled to hear that any of them got their prize. Yes, maybe there are some who have hardships just as hard or worse, but I wouldn't feel like any of them were underserving. I'm a huge crier on a good day, everything makes me tear up, so this one had me full on crying for them. Especially the dad. I can't even imagine how you face $2 million in medical bills, but then I'm not understanding how they would have that much to begin with. Did their insurance company refuse to pay under some loophole? No matter, the home and the car had to have been an overwhelming relief, and the opportunity for a fundraiser heartwarming. I also liked the owner for once really took their concerns seriously and I actually believe she will make them right. 

[designing1]

 

I liked that the employee who gets a percentage of the products that are sold.  I hope they are big sellers for her.

 

What a great opportunity for her. Sure, the cash gifts are wonderful, but this opens up a whole new career path for this woman, one that she might otherwise never have the chance at -- or possibly never even thought of. (Her flapping her overly-long glittery nails to keep from crying was driving me crazy, though.) Good on the boss for recognizing the shortcomings of her business; I'm sure she also took note of the cheesiness of the launch party mentioned by the dad, and that future launches will be more upscale.

 

I'd never heard of Phenix prior to this show, and thought the business model itself was a great idea. 

[Fostersmom]

I can easily see how salon workers would really like the idea. I tried to find out how much the would pay in rent, but really couldn't find the info, but saw on a FB page a lot of renters saying it's the same price they would pay for chair space in a regular salon. It's the same price for a chair rental and they don't have to work for someone else and get to have their own private space? I can see how that would be a huge draw. I won't be surprised to see one in my hometown in the future. The's a ton of shopping plazas, lots of salons, and for good or bad, it's like a retail mecca. When new stores or restaurants come to the state of Ohio, it's often their first entry or where they want to be. 

 

The only thing I saw I didn't like was the pedicure. It didn't look like they did anything other than paint the toe nails. I could see the woman's dry and crusty heels. Did they even wash her feet before starting? If not, gross. They obviously didn't clean up the nails or moisturize the feet. 

[Jaded]

I had missed this seasons episodes after the premiere and was catching up when I got to this episode. I was thoroughly disgusted and am not sure I want to keep watching. The Hooters, Twin Peaks and Titled Kilt episodes didn't infuriate me the way this one did. Of course none of the bosses on those other episodes gave the employees they encountered boob jobs as a reward or got mad enough to fire anyone who said they didn't want to work at those restaurants forever. I hate that this scumbag got this much national attention and can only hope that more people were disgusted than intrigued with his "breastraunts". 

[webruce]

Doug Gulley seems like a rich guy that just wants to have all his fun become his job. it's nice in theory but it don't work for most of us. He calls his a "Breasturaunt". Wonder if he hired the manager of Hooters, I think that made the girls do demeaning things in the first season. He is a likeable guy as Jake. And to me other then his stumbles at the bar(slow, breaks glasses), and working with Henry in the back, he didn't have much to worry about work wise. But like some CEO's he didn't whine about the job being to hard to the person he was working with. But he bought a old town and changed the name to Bikinis? Stuck on self are we?

I did think it was dumb to say Jessica was not right for not wanting to wear her binkini top on tv. But she over served the lush "Fan" in the bar also. And her reply wasn't great. She was a girl that didn't make good eye contact, staring off into who knows where when she talked to him. But I have a relative like that and worked with a guy like that. Then on Reveal wanting to help her find a job after he told her she was fired, no wonder she got upset. And I half expected in the "In weeks since",for it to say she reconsidered and has Jake helping her get her resumes out.

But he gave big bonus points to Manager Megan, who gave him the task to set the tv systems to the right stations. They will check into social media because she contacted some friends on facebook and told them about the openings at Bikinis. But their bars you can see are not as full as they once was, guys don't always need a bikini girl serving over priced food/drink to watch a sports contest or talk with a buddy. But she didn't have on her bikini top either Jake!!???
But she had to work for those bonuses, by being a consultant, and get an 8 percent annual raise, insurance to help daughter, dentist bills paid, and 10 thou for a home. Those are nice.
Henry got money for a new car, 30 percent raise, back pay and 10 thou for a vacation. He cried, very nice.

 Grace was a bikini babe model, But put that phone away. Look busy girls! She got a new bonus for new titties, but has to work 6 months for those Ccup new additions. She had been fired 3 times before. She gets a promotion to marketing Director and is the new promo girl.(No wonder he gave her a new chest)!.

Edited January 14, 2015 by webruce

[Beach Party]

David Seelinger, Chairman and CEO of EmpireCLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services, works undercover at his luxury transportation company.

 

 

I felt the man limo driver employee was talked about a bit harshly by the CEO.  His conversation about the porn filming in his limo was somewhat  unprofessional.  But he may have been "acting it up" for the camera.  (That limo driver treated the other two ladies courteously.)  The CEO pondered why the driver let the porn filming occur.  Well, the driver said it started without him being asked.  Also, as the CEO pontificated to another employee, "the customer is always right."   To be fair, the CEO should also send the lady limo driver to sexual harassment training for asking the CEO if he wanted to marry her! lol

Edited January 17, 2015 by Beach Party

[Fostersmom]

I too thought it was shitty to claim the guy was practically sexually harassing the passenger. The driver did nothing of the sort and the woman was more than interested in his story. Would he have offered up the story to Grandma? I doubt it, but he read his audience. And it's not like he said he allowed porn to be shot and then took some money for it or something. The customer is always right guy got a raw deal too. If the driver is telling him it's not on the way, and it's obvious the customer is trying to get something for free, he shouldn't have to just roll over. Cuz let me tell you, the customer isn't always right and when they talk like the guy in the limo was talking, they are just going out of their way to be a dick because they are the "paying customer" and wanting to get what they didn't pay for. The dispatcher guy certainly could have handled it much better, but he's not there to give away free product because the customer is feeling entitled. Plus, I have no doubts if the dispatcher had been letting passengers make extra out of the way stops and not charging them, that would be an issue too. And there was apparently not an issue with a driver failing and then being handed the keys. He almost rips the wig off to fire the dispatcher, but doesn't question that?

 

They have got to get these bosses better disguises. Seriously, he showed up to drive in Vegas looking like truck driver, but the dispatch place in NJ looking like a Kindergartener on picture day? Didn't he wear the same thing to work in the mechanic shop portion too? And please, like the driver in Vegas had even heard of him, let alone knows what he looks like? 99% of the people on this series wouldn't know a random CEO by name or face. That's not a slam against the employees, but a honest reflection of businesses these days, especially a place with all the locations he claimed to have. 

[nottopbravo]

Is this the first episode where the "Boss" cried, as well as the employees?

[Kromm]

Interesting comparison between this episode and the one for Twin Peaks last year. They all start from an exploitative position, but it's not really a case where owning up to it with terms like "Breastaruant" magically makes things better--it in fact arguably makes things worse.  

 

This one just felt icky.  I mean all of the "Breasturaunt" type episodes (frankly this show has had too many of them, but I guess they get ratings) feel icky to some degree, but this is one where they couldn't even cover up the slimyness of the whole thing.

[Beach Party]

A question I am wondering:  The CEO gave the man limo driver $10,000 to spend on his "low rider."  However, didn't the limo driver refer to his work vehicle as a "low rider" limo?  I'm wondering if that $10,000 wasn't really personal gift but a reinvestment back into the business vehicle.  Granted, it would be fun to spend $10,000 to make improvements to a vehicle and then get to use it.

Edited January 17, 2015 by Beach Party