From Damon Bennett's Facebook page (Posted 7:32AM EST, Monday 12/16):
I wanted to be the first to break the news to everyone that after almost 10 years of making it right, I will be moving on and beginning a new chapter. I had a lot of fun growing as a contractor on the show and being able to help so many people was incredibly fulfilling.I would like to thank The Holmes Group & HGTV for the experience of a lifetime. I've had the opportunity to build an earthquake proof home, a hurricane proof home, I went on a cross canada tour fixing homes from one end to the other, and I even recently built a castle.
I would also like to thank my Make It Right crew, past & present, for working tirelessly along side me for all of those years, always giving 110%. It wouldn't have been the same adventure without you guys.
I will never forget all the excellent tradespeople I have met & worked with, thanks to all of you as well, I couldn't have completed any of those jobs without all if your superb skills & tireless contributions.
To the film crew, you taught me just as much about television over the years, as I learned about construction. The fans don't get to see it, but you guys are there every step of the way, working just as hard as the construction crew to make sure everything gets done on time & looks great for the viewers week after week. Thank you for being my support, my friends and my kick in the butt when I needed it.
And last, but not least, my two right hand guys, my crew chief's, Carl Pavlovich & Adam Belanger, I couldn't have done it without you.
It's an exciting time, I'm looking forward to devoting more time to the charities I support, working with my crew at Damon Bennett Construction, and yes, maybe even a new show.
Anyone in the GTA who would like to contact Damon Bennett Construction please forward your inquiries to damonbennett@live.com.
From Mike Holmes' Facebook page (Posted 9:13AM EST):
Wanted to let you all know that after 9 years, 4 series and over 100 episodes Damon Bennett will be leaving the Crew to start up his own contracting business. Thanks Damon for all of your hard work making it right. Wish you all the best! You all can keep in touch with Damon on facebook at the link below.
The announcement has been made. I will be posting my own opinion on this later today... come back to read my commentary and analysis of this announcement.
I'm shocked but not surprised. It reminds me of how the Forum was killed a year ago.
ReplyDeleteThere is much more to this story than the "cut & dried" blurb from Mike Holmes on his Facebook page. It's doubtful we'll ever hear the real reason for the abrupt split but one can make certain assumptions.
In my opinion, and based on my nearly 10 year support of Mike Holmes & closer association with his activities than any other fan, I'm going to do some speculating simply because the sudden abrupt departure of Damon with little explanation is not the first time that this has happened.
There were other events that made people wonder, "what's going on?" When the Home Depot announced that Mike was going to oversee their contracting division because of to many complaints from customers, I thought how can one man oversee contractors across the country to make sure they do a proper job. That's a full-time job. Of course, it didn't last to long.
Then the sudden departure of Michael Quast, the guy who was responsible for getting the show on TV. When the Holmes Group was started, he was CEO. Didn't last to long. All of a sudden he was gone. Why? He was the guy who convinced Mike to get involved with a
TV show. Maybe, as a very successful TV producer he had a different view regarding the
future. Mike is a contractor & has often stated that being in an office is not his cup of tea.
He also likes to dream big, help the whole world. Very admirable but not very realistic. In my opinion he also seems to want to be in control of everything. There's nothing wrong with diversifying but you have to be able to hire the right people & learn to delegate.
He's done a pretty good job with his contractors but when it comes to the administrative stuff, that's a different story.
The sudden closing of the Fan Forum without any explanation is another event that I still don't understand why it was handled in such a coldblooded manner.
When Mike meets people on a on-on-one basis he is kind, charming, listens... absolutely perfect. But when it comes to their corporate actions, it seems abrupt, coldblooded action seems to be the order of the day.
When it comes to Damon's sudden departure I can only say that he's a first class gentlemen & for him to depart all of a sudden has to be the result of more than what has been posted on Mike's Facebook page. Damon was the anchor that kept everything going.
When you see Mike in an episode was he there for the whole day? a couple of hours, now & then? With all the interviews, travelling, writing a column, keeping track of all the various parts of his empire moving... that's quite job.
Who is going to replace Damon? Mike Junior? nice, likable guy but not in Damon's class yet.
I mentioned some time ago that after the initial announcements that Damon & Sherry both were getting their own shows. more that a year later, nothing has happened. in fact, I know of no TV production by Point Load Pictures.
I hope that all this celebrity stuff has not started to take over.
Jundee
I have to confess a bit, that I am playing dumb just a little, and that I knew this day was coming for about a month now, I just didn't realize it would happen so soon, and I was crossing my fingers and hoping they would work something out. I completely agree that Damon was the anchor of the show, and that I don't know who's set to replace him. By his own admission, Junior is not ready to do what Damon does. I fear this will be the thing that turns everything sideways, but we'll have to see. As far as the reasons for this, I have no doubt that that its much deeper and more complex than anything they're willing to share. It's just sad, it's a sad day to be a fan. Damon was a big cog in the wheel, and I just hope the wheel can keep turning without him.
DeleteMaybe Damon got tired of waiting for that show he'd been promised??
DeleteAs far as replacing Damon is concerned my guess would be Adam, after all, he's family.
Don't forget Pinky. Where he took her out of hearing range and then came and gave some excuse. You never saw her again on the shoe
DeleteJundee,
DeleteSorry. Of course there is more to the story. There always is. Damon was good, but he was not the "Anchor that kept everything going". The team at large did, and continues to do that quite nicely.
Damon, and everyone else there are humans, have good days and bad like everyone else. So unless you were there on the jobs all the time, your comments are just speculation. Nothing more.
I would think that people would want to get hard FACTS before they start throwing judgments around like stones.
E.T. Davidson
Fort Worth, TX
I found something that Point Load produced. Those DIY primers (short Video clips) that show Damon explaining & demonstrating how to handle various construction projects properly.
ReplyDeleteThat Damon Bennett Restoration project is still being promoted on the Point Load website.
Jundee
I saw the DIY Primers but I don't see any mention of Restoration Company. The information is still hosted on the website if you have the direct links. Those links are listed on this website. Unfortunately the references and links on the Point Load website are gone.
DeleteDamon would make an excellent host. Whether or not Junior or Sherry will elevate to his level of expertise remains to be seen. They're both still very young and there's time for them to develope their contracting and on-camera skills. It would be great to see them fill Mike's shoes one day.
When you go to Google & enter Point Load Pictures the first entry is for
Deletewww.pointloadpictures.com
Just below that is the following:
Home. Point Load Pictures Inc. is an independent television production company with a commitment to producing top-of-the-line lifestyle programming.
and then:
Casting: Damon Bennett ...
Casting: Damon Bennett Restoration Co., Homeowners
When you click on the first blue line (Casting Damon Bennet) it brings up the point Load website page which shows Damon's picture & the following text:
ARE YOU LOOKING TO RESTORE A ROOM IN YOUR HOME BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL GLORY?
Do you own a home with interesting historical attributes? Are you looking to restore one room or area back to its original glory? Do you live in the GTA? We would love to hear from you for our new concept with Damon Bennett.
We’re looking for houses of all time periods and eras to restore: Victorian, Georgian Colonial, American Craftsman, Queen Anne, Edwardian, Mid Century Modern, etc. We want energetic, enthusiastic homeowners with homes that deserve to be brought back to what they once were. What are the architectural features of your home that you love and want to see restored?
Please send us an email at casting@pointloadpictures.com and tell us your story (250 words or less) along with a few photos of your home and yourself.
Please include ‘
Damon Bennett Restoration Co: Homeowner’ in the subject line.
Jundee
Casting: Damon Bennett Restoration Co., Homeowners
It's been a long time since we in OHIO have seen a new show. I know the old ones by heart. As for Damon leaving, it's not the same show and maybe that was the point. I miss him but by now I don't miss the show nearly as much. I would love to see Damon get his own show and maybe REALLY make it right.
DeleteAll things have to change to keep the show fresh and interesting. Regardless of the reasons, I think 10 years of service to a TV show(s) is more then reasonable when your career is not acting or performance.
ReplyDeleteI hope the good work the show(s) promote is not solely based on a single person (except for the host), so I hope all of the crews eventually move on to create their own identity. One thing we often talk about in apprenticship... if you earn your electrical licience in a company, you will always be the "junior" guy. You need to move out to move up in many cases, if nothing else to simply increase your own level of self-confidence.
Cheers
John Kuehnl-Cadwell
AKA Navyguy
I would like to wish Damon GOOD LUCK in his new venture. I think it was the next step in your life. I have enjoyed watching you on the shows you have done. onwards and upwards. Give MABEL a hug from me, she is so cute. take care
ReplyDeleteIt is time for Damon to move on. He couldn't climb any higher in the Holmes business and he knew if he stayed around one day Mike Jr. will be taking the helm. Can you imagine working for someone you taught most if not all their skill sets. All the best in your future endeavors Damon. Who knows it could be as simple as he wants more time to concentrate on his young family and his own business.
ReplyDeleteHis young family?
DeleteIt is not surprising and I don't think it is "abrupt"...it takes time to start up your own company and already having been in front of the camera...no doubt he's had offers to go on his own...it just didn't get announced til the last...he'd have to make sure everything is in place first...I do agree his career had plateaued with Mike Holmes....so he is moving on....wish him all the best...no doubt he will be very successful out on his own...kudos to Damon...
ReplyDeleteAm sure his presence with Mike Holmes will be felt and missed...but with both Mike's son and son-in-law on the crew...Damon would't have been able to climb any higher in the Holmes company than he already had...so onto bigger things he went...hope he has the best of success...
ReplyDeleteDamon Bennett played a very important role on all the shows. he is going to be missed tremendously. I wish him the best of luck with his new business and hopefully his own tv show.
ReplyDeleteDamon is looking for a job with another contractor on Orillia.
ReplyDeleteSorry to see him leave the show. I don't think it will be the same without him. Although Mike is the shows host it's Damon that made the show come alive. I wish him the best and will wait patiently until he has his own show to host!
ReplyDeleteI think Damon was grooming Jr to take over. The day was coming. Jr just needs to lighten up and be more personable or the show will sink.
ReplyDeleteI've had my own ideas about why Damon left. Several years ago on Mike's old Facebook page, someone had asked a question about Damon and they asked if he was gay. A woman responded that he certainly was not and she knows this because her best friend, Sherry Holmes, was dating Damon. After that, I happened to notice that photos were posted of Damon and Sherry together at different events such as Mike's annual ATV ride. I'm going to stick my neck out and say that there was a breakup of these two and it would have been very difficult for both of them to continue to work together and that's why Damon left. I know that when Damon was in Albert, I think, he posted something about the Alberta Times newspaper and the fact that his "girlfriend" used to deliver that newspaper. I don't think he was referring to Sherry. I also read on Twitter where someone posted how they loved his "wife's" name. I've never read anything about Damon having a wife but, there could have been some cheating going on and this became an issue. Of course, all of this is speculation that I have based on things I have read and this is just my thoughts on the matter.
ReplyDeleteSo, you are repeating something you read on the Internet, written by someone you don't know, who 'claims' to know sherry to validate some unsubstantiated gossip that they were posting about damon & sherry. LOL, well, if you read it on the Internet it must be true;). If you google search a little but more you will find all kinds of posts written by people who claim to know carl, sherry, damon, MJ, etc & they have all been linked to one another at some point, including the boys, to each other. We could easily speculate that those stories are true as well because there are pictures of all of them together at different times during different events. I've seen pictures of damon hugging pinky, hugging Kate, I even saw a picture of damon kissing & hugging a famous boxer who's house they fixed, he must have been dating him as well;). I'm just trying to say that speculation & gossip is just that, & completely not worthy of repeating because it is most likely untrue. Mike never hid the fact that Adam and amanda were dating, or that nicole & the long haired guy are dating, so why would they have never mentioned damon and sherry? It just doesn't add up.
DeleteJust FYI to everyone, Damon Bennett frequently makes references to his fiancé on Facebook, who is a WOMAN -- not sure where anybody got the impression he swings the other direction. Additionally, Damon is NOT involved romantically with Sherry Holmes. There have been rumors, but nothing has been substantiated, ever. Let's put this to rest.
DeleteGoodness me, but you people need to get lives!
ReplyDeleteIm a fan of all the shows and both Mike & Damon but if you re-read Damons post he doesn't personally thank Mike so something did happen.
ReplyDeleteI noticed Damon didn't thank Mike in his statement.... Hmmm.
ReplyDeleteJust sayin, but in "the blooper" run at the end of an episode Damon and Sherrie kiss.
ReplyDeleteRelationship, I think so.
Lol, the scripted/directed blooper, where it looks like sherry runs up & gives him a peck, but we can't actually see because it's shot from behind & then Damon says that the entire crew has to give him a kiss, yeah, that was really genuine & not staged for television entertainment purposes at all;). Pretty sure Raquel has already said that Damon is married or engaged, and that she knows this because he has said as much in interviews, or maybe she said it was on Facebook?
ReplyDeleteI have no idea nor do I care what marital status Damon has but if you have been watching a long time you would remember that when Damon first joined the crew he had just gotten married and gotten back from his honeymoon.
DeleteIt was the guy before Damon that got married and came back to work after his honeymoon - in fact, that was Damon's first episode
DeleteEither way, I loved Damon on the show and will miss him, but it is the Mike Holmes show
Wasn't there once a building show that ran behind all of this?
ReplyDeleteThere was a show that Point Load Productions (Mike's production company) was trying to get picked up, but the show ended up being dropped. Damon is currently on his own and working with military veterans on what will hopefully be a show of his own.
DeleteI got an insider that is on the show and on camera to tell me what happened and why Damon left.
DeleteDamon and Sherry were indeed in a relationship.
Damon allegedly cheated on Sherry and it caused a big issue behind the scenes.
Mike didn't like that fact his daughter was mislead/mistreated.
Mike told Damon he had to leave.
That is fact from the insider that appears on the show and is in the circle of the family!!!
Lol, so, you are alleging that you spoke with an alleged insider, who is allegedly on the show & told you what allegedly happened & why Damon allegedly left.
DeleteWhenever a show has family members, they always win out. Too bad, I liked Damon on the set. Damon was probably told by Mike that his future was limited. Mike wanted it to be a"father/son" show.
DeleteI will miss Damon as he has such personality. Plus, he ran the show as Mike is only there at the beginning and then at the very end after Damon & the crew did all the work. I wish Damon well and if he gets his own show, we'll be watching and supporting him!
ReplyDeleteI remember an episode where they had to finish a renovation because a woman ended up in hospital. The house was a modern design and had some details that made it special. Mike wanted to finish everything within a time limit even if it meant cutting corners, sorry Mike but it's true, like eliminating details when it came to the floor board that were supposed to have a gap in the original design. Damon decided to refuse to eliminate that gap because it would have killed the look the owner wanted. He was right, Mike was wrong. I suspect that there were other episodes where two egos came to a clash. Point is Mike is of the old generation and Damon is of the new generation. Both damn good but conflicting at one moment or an other. If that conflict was visible in one episode as it was in the one I describe I'm sure it would have becomed even more obvious in the new episodes. Going each way is the best thing for the both of them. Now they will be able to shine each in their own way. As for Mike Jr.? Is he ready? Look at his teacher, Damon! Yes, Mike is Jr's dad but I honestly believe that Damon has had a huge influence on Mike Jr. Mike Jr. is getting the best of both generation, so, is he ready? If not yet he will be far sooner than many would give him credit for.
ReplyDeleteJust watched a show with out Damon. Just not the same. Looks like they are trying to get MJ in Damon's old spot. To bad. I though Mike was like a Dad to Damon.
ReplyDeleteI watched it to. Of course it was different but it wasn't bad. MJ was listed as the Construction Manager, so I guess he has replaced Damon formally. I'm willing to give it a shot. I did miss Sherry.
DeleteAgreed. Was Sherry in the first new show?
ReplyDeleteJust watched the newest show. Not the same at all.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Damon and his crew! Job well done and good luck!
ReplyDeleteThe show is not the same without Damon.
ReplyDeleteI agree, not the same without Damon
ReplyDeleteI love Damon and Mike. Would marry and take good care of either of them. :)
ReplyDeleteJackie
There is no-one that can replacement Damon he wasw just a likable guy by all viewers.
ReplyDeleteBad move Mike
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DeleteNot worth watching without Damon.
ReplyDeleteAgree, the show is just not the same at all. Unfortunately, with Damon gone the show has lost it's charm, energy, and humour. What made Damon so special was not only his charisma and the camaraderie he had with Mike and the crew (that was so endearing to watch), but the energy, professionalism and dedication he brought to the show. He, along with Mike, really made you feel a part of all the interesting projects they tackled. But unfortunately, it now appears that a lot more than Damon has left the show. The production is now so flat, boring and disconnected (and no amount of background rock music can fix that - and actually, more than anything, it's a distraction.) How sad to see a show that was once so great go down the drain the way it has. However, all said, Mike is of course the true heart and sole of the show and I do wish him all the best in finding another partner with as much dedication, spirit, and sincerity that Damon brought to the table. But for now, until he can do that, I think I'll just Leave it to Bryan.
ReplyDeleteThe show was great with Damon - HOWEVER, let's not forget what the purpose of the show is... The people that have been helped and the lives that have been changed AND saved. This why I continue to watch! I didn't know what a hammer looked like til I saw Mike's show, I have learned SO MUCH and I'm greatful to Mike and his team for educating the public. I still got your back Mike :)
ReplyDeleteWho, exactly, was helped by building a giant garage, filled with very expensive, gas guzzling toys? Nobody's life was changed or saved by this particular project. I was so grossed out by the whole thing.
DeleteMike works hard for what he has, sometimes 7 days a week. Why would you begrudge him the fruits of his labor?
DeleteExactly! What a hater!! :(
DeleteThe first replier is such a loser. Mike and his crew helped hundreds of people throughout the years and this douche can only remember the garage episode. So Mike and his crew are all nazis because nobody worthy was helped on that project. Great reasoning!
DeleteThe show never worked as well when Damon was running it...I found him annoying and off putting. Holmes is a total pro...and he should be more involved in the show anyhow...I'm glad Damon is gone and I will enjoy watching the teaching of Mike Jr.
ReplyDeleteThe garage episodes with Mike Jr were
ReplyDeleteok, and he did well with a good TV personality in the making. But having Mike Sr interfere constantly was really annoying. Every son was getting po'd watching that.
I would think blood is thicker than water and Mike is pushing Jr. into Damon's job..he's young but I feel he's a pretty quick learner and seems to have a great personality and the ladies wouldn't mine watching him work..there's no doubt Damon was a very loyal guy to Mike but everything runs it's course and Mike must have felt it was time to make the big move..you must remember..Mike is the show and calls the shots..that's the bottom line..sit back and enjoy the show..I know I will.
ReplyDeleteJust watched an episode of Mike Holmes and Damon wasn't in it.. had to come online to find out why... I'm sorry to say that I won't be watching Mike Holmes anymore as Damon was the reason I watched...
ReplyDeleteIt was time for Damon to go, he was annoying when he ran the renos and it was always "I decided" or "this is the plan I came up with", he took credit for everything. Yes, you need someone to make the calls on the site, but he was arrogant about it. Carl, Adam, Mike Jr. much better, just doing their job not trying to show off. Good riddance Damon.
ReplyDeleteHoly cow, who do you think he learned that habit from?! Mike was the originator of the "I did this...I need to do that....I...I...I." Damon was merely taking after his boss.
DeleteAt the very start of the Holmes on Homes (I think) series Mike's right hand man was Shawn something-or-other. One day Shawn was there, the next day he was gone. Damon was just a part of the crew and then all of a sudden he was running the show. It seems that there's a pattern there. The new shows definitely seem/feel different but I think it will just take time to adjust. I really missed Damon. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI've noticed that as well....I surmised these folks who came and went just got "real" jobs, they were after all, construction workers, and TV shows aren't made all year.
DeleteI didn't much care for Damon at first, but he kinda grew on me, (Like Black Mold!), and I'm sad to see him go, and I don't think Mike Jr. is of the same caliber. It's been recently posted that Mike Holmes is the second most trusted person on TV...so anything he does is going to be scrutinized very closely. I would prefer if they all stayed together, but I realize that that is not always possible in the real world.
Sherry is super hot btw...paradoxically however, she looks like her dad. Which fills me with confusion.
Shawn left and now Damon left. That's 2 foremen in 10 yrs. It's an epidemic I tell you!!! Mike must be the most horrible boss in history.
DeleteHehe
DeleteJust watched the episodes (part 1) where the lady had her century old house set on fire by an arson...just not the same without Damon there :(( Yes, I agree Mike needs to be at the work sites more then just at the beginning and the reveal part & Mike Jr. is needing more experience before he can fill Damon shoes...My best wishes go out to Damon in all his future endeavors and here's hoping we see him with a show of his own SOON !! Guess we'll only be watching HOH on the rare occasion now...so sad :((
ReplyDeleteWe all learned some time...well most of us anyway. Circle of life stuff- passing on to the next generation. I wish Damon well and much success in the future. However, will continue to watch Mike Make It Right whoever is on the show.
ReplyDeleteJust wanna say that if we all watched shows for just ONE individual we wouldn't have TV Shows period. People move on, life goes on... and so do GREAT shows like this one.
ReplyDeleteROCK ON MIKE SR & JR!! :)
A.Wright
As long as Mike Sr. Keeps explaining and teaching why things need or should be done, the show will be worth watching!
ReplyDeleteBottom line it's a show about construction and helping people. As long as there are qualified people doing the job the rest does'nt really matter. Yes Damon will be missed but people have to move on. The whole point of learning in life is all about achieving goals and moving on. Damon seams like an ambitious guy and his time with Mike probably just ran it's course. Good luck Damon!!!
ReplyDeleteI think what bothers me the most is that it seems like Damon left with a bit of bad blood it was an almost father son relationship. Aside from the show I hope they patch things up. I know that Damon is very much like a big brother to Mike Jr. If you saw the New Orleans shows you know that to be true. What is also weird is how no one even mentions Damon in passing, you would think there would have at least been a little nod to Damon on the season premiere. Good luck Damon, you are missed already. Hope to see you on your own show soon. As for me I will still be watching Mike and the crew. I really believe in what he does and how he has impacted the industry and so many lives. Rock on every one.
ReplyDeleteDamon was part of the show. Adam knows what he is doing, but, without Damon the show won't be the same. I probably will only watch the show when nothing else worth watching is on.
ReplyDeleteI AGREE I watched the show for the first time in 5 months we moved, no Damon.
ReplyDeleteCrazy. they we like peanut butter and jam, ham and cheese, pizza and beer.
Not going to be the same at all.
Ken
I miss Pinky!!!
ReplyDeleteMe too!!!
DeleteShe probably weights 200 lbs now with a couple of rug rats.
DeleteBut the early Pinky was niceeeee......
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ReplyDeleteI've been an avid fan of Mike and the show from the very start. However, now that Damon is gone, the show is just too flat and uninteresting to waste time watching. Sorry. Just being honest.
ReplyDeletePINKY and SHERRY and some wood....sweeet
ReplyDeleteWell, Mike lost me as a viewer! Damon made that show! Yeah, the show wouldn't even exist without Mike and his savvy and the contacts he has but he had gotten to the point where he just showed up for the beginning and the end and Damon carried the show with his personality. I won't be watching Mike Holmes anymore.
ReplyDeleteI thought we watch the show for information and knowledge not to watch the cast. its a great program if your watching to obtain knowledge. they do give a lot of information that if your not a stupid person you can find things down wrong in any home new or old. great job mike, keep up the excellent job.
DeleteWow, had to come here to find out what happened to Damon. I don't wish to speculate on Damon's departure from the show, but I sincerely hope that it was amiable. I have watched the show for years and have seen how Damon felt about Mike. I believe he looked up to Mike as a father figure and tried to please Mike like a good son would do. If Damon's departure from the show wasn't on good terms, I can only hope that time will heal the wounds and they remain friends. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteI watch the show for the advice and to watch the crew. The show is much better without Damon who I found to be arrogant and conceited. I love MJ, Carl and Adam and Sherry too. Had the pleasure of meeting Mike Sr. In person and he is the whole reason the show even exists. Damon did not make the show, Mike did and does.
ReplyDeleteHe was only as arrogant and conceited as Mike. I tired of the me, me, me stuff from both of them. A little humility goes a long way.
DeleteI too had to come to this site to find out that Damon was gone. I am sad to see him go. I actually remembered the very first show Damon appeared on. For a while I thought he was one of Mike's sons, until I saw his name in the credits and his last name was Bennett and not Holmes. I enjoyed watching him and I know I haven't seen the last of him. I hope HGTV and DIYNetwork see in Damon what we saw and bring him on board. I can guarantee he will have a huge following. Good luck Damon. You are a class act.
ReplyDeleteSad to see Damon's departure and disappointed Mike didn't mention it in the season premier. Hope that Damon gets his own show soon
ReplyDeleteHolmes is an arrogant ass. Anyone can 'make it right' with a tv show budget and production crew. It's tv, folks, not real life.
ReplyDeleteMike Holmes is about as far away from arrogant as they come. In fact, he's one of the most polite, humble, and gracious celebrities I've ever met and he cares about what he does. Bottom line: It's real life to the hundreds of families Mike has helped over the years. And lastly, you should be ashamed of yourself for justifying shoddy work because it's cheaper. If you can't afford to do it right, then wait. Contractors who cut corners and don't have the knowlege and skill they need to do the job right are the reason why Mike does what he does. It has nothing to do with a TV show budget.
DeleteHe does sometimes seem too good to be true, but all the world needs is one honest man to prove that not everyone is a corner-cutting weasel...It's how the Rob Fords of the world get elected..people are desperate for a good man. I admit I sometimes wonder if/when the other shoe is gonna drop with Mike, but you have to have faith in people mate.
Deleteif you looked like that man, have the life and knowledge that he possess would you not want to be in this type of spot light. I know I would. keep up the great jobs mike holmes, you sexy humanbeing.
DeleteSad to see him go but it's been a long time coming... Damon had a huge role in Holmes Inspection. His role on Holmes Makes It Right was GREATLY reduced. I bet it felt like a demotion to him. He was barely in some episodes of Holmes Makes It Right. Not sure how his small role would make you stop watching it..
ReplyDeleteI will miss Damon very much as I have been watching him at least since he started on Holmes on Homes in 2004. His name seems to have been erased from the Holmes web sites. I'm not sure if Sherry is there either. Maybe I don't need to watch DIY or HGTV and pay for cable. I hope Damon gets a new show soon. HGTV & DIY seem to have fewer shows and hosts.
ReplyDeletePersonally I started watching HOH for Mike and Shawn. And then Shawn and the rest of the crew beside Damon left the show, Shawn to start his own construction company and the rest to who knows where. Damon stayed and became the next right hand man. I continued to watch because of Damon mostly. I've just watched an ep and didn't see Damon or MJ at all and only saw brief glimpses of Sherry and another Girl. I was curious if maybe Damon had been injured during a project or had left. Since Holmes Inspection I've gotten an underlying vibe that Damon isn't necessarily happy with the way things went. I used to love watching him and Mike but the last few years it's seemed like things are strained a little.
ReplyDeleteThis is just my own opinion not proof or anything but I've gotten the impression the more that Mike does on other projects the less he seems to have patience for delays and mistakes and f-ups on his contruction show. And Mike did say he was worried about dying soon. I think maybe he's become wound a little too tight about stuff and has maybe let that 'colour' his dealings with Damon because Damon is his foreman. It seemed the same with Shawn just before Shawn and the other two left way back in 2004-05. But again I'm just speculating.
Good Luck Mike. Thanks for the years the show was good.
Good Luck Damon. Whether you do a show or step out of the limelight.
RIP Craig Lowe. Miss ya and I didn't even know you'd passed.
I wish only the best for Mike and Damon, wherever they end up. In the opening paragraph, Damon doesn't thank Mike directly for the 10 year association, which makes me wonder if there is some bad blood. So be it. I still enjoy the shows because unlike all the other reno shows, Mike keeps the corny crap out of the script, and no one on his crew pretends to act. They just play themselves.
ReplyDeleteAs a side note to the web developers--please ditch the black background with white fonts. It's very amateurish and difficult to read. They should no better. If Mike was a web developer, he would scrap this site and re-build it.
I'm not a web developer, I'm an amateur running a fan site blog. I won't be scrapping my blog anytime soon to accommodate your poor eyesight, thanks!
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DeleteThat's whats ruining American Restoration for me, it used to be these guys FIXING THINGS..which is what I want to see..now it all about their idiot lives I could care less about.
DeleteJust shut up and show me how you restored that old thing, you twits!
We are somewhat avid followers of all of Mike's shows - when time allows.. We loved watching Shawn and was very puzzled that he just suddenly up and disappeared and nothing was said. But it was the same with several of the other crew members from the early shows (such as Dan). It was interesting that Damon came on as crew and then Shawn leaves and he is Supervisor.
ReplyDeleteDamon did great as supervisor and I agree that there was a very definite "family" feeling between Damon and Mike Sr..
I did see a show about Mike's birthday and Shawn was in the guests. However it seemed that there was not the easy going relationship between Shawn and Mike like there was.
I do hope that both of these fine men - Damon and Mike are "adult" enough to not loose that relationship - all over the sake of a TV show.
As for Mike Jr. - he does have some skills and definitely could - at sometime in the future - step into a Senior Supervisor role. From the couple of shows that I just watched where he was the "lead" - he just did not have the camaraderie or it seemed the respect with the crew. But it also showed that he just did not have the easy way with the client that Damon/Shawn had. That may come in time and I hope that Mike Jr. takes the time to remember how Damon worked it with both crew/clients.
I sincerely wish Damon and Mike Jr. all the best. I will be watching for Damon !!
Well,best of luck Damon....As all good things must come to a end..You and Mike did...Whatever happened between You and Sherrie...That was between the two of You guys..She is a good looking Young Lady,and your a talented person that worked along beside her...its nature...I am not saying some thing happened,but if it did.....its human nature.How many of us are guilty of doing the same thing?.....I hope You and Mike come to terms on whatever it is keeping you guys from being friends....seen to many smiles between you guys to not still stay friends...either way...Great show.. amount of people BOTH you guys helped out is great,seen a lot of happy tears on that show..hopefully,it does end with not sad tears with You guys,but happy tears...There is still Hero,s out there..both of you guys were,and still are...take care
ReplyDeleteI too had to come to this site to find out where Damon was .... I miss him very much and the show is not the same without him. I actually find the show has way too much of Mike complaining about how terrible the previous contractor was (over & over again) ... tell us what was done wrong ONE time and get on with fixing it. I sincerely hope that Damon will appear on a show of his own in the near future.
ReplyDeleteDidnt Shawn leave to start his own business, same for Damon. Its called progress people. Why shouldn't MJ start take over, isnt that the plan to carry on family business? Be happy for them both regardless of the circumstances. Here in Australia we dont care why, just as long as the quality and integrity remains the same. Good luck to them all!
ReplyDeleteInteresting that in Damon's facebook page, he didn't even acknowledge the passing of Craig lowe. The guys worked together for years, so you would think he would of said something. Unless Damon really wants to divorce himself from that whole other time. Too bad, something bad must of happened.
ReplyDeletereally people. cant anyone move on to do what they want without having a bunch of no mines suggesting something bad must of happened. please get a real job like these people. all the best to damon and certainly all the best to mike and any crew that is fortunate enough to work for the holmes foundation.
DeleteDamon left the Holmes Group in 2013. Craig died in August 2014. Damon did write something very nice on his Facebook in memory of Craig after his passing.
ReplyDeleteDamon learned the hard way. You will always be the outsider in a family business
ReplyDeleteI guess most of the crew learned that lesson the hard way, Nichole, Andrew, Glen, Damon. The only people left are Amanda's husband, Sherry's boyfriend, & Carl.
Delete"Sure Bud, ya Bud, can I get your coffee Bud, etc etc". Lets face it, he was just a glorified gopher. Being in the trade myself, its rather obvious how much or how little knowledge some of these folks have. As stated earlier, its a TV show. Its planned and scripted, and there is a lot of budgetary room wlhich lessons the need to be creative, fast and good.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog, but the black background with the very small white font is very hard on the eyes. Perhaps if you made the font larger it would be easier to read. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Sylvia, the font is standard size for the most part. I've noticed that on my computer there is a way to resize the page so that the text fills up more space than the background. When I do this, I have no issues reading the text on Blogger websites.
DeleteI already had the zoom at 125% and in order to read your blog easily, I have raised it to 175%. I just feel that I shouldn't have to change the zoom in order to read something on the web. But thank you for answering anyway.
ReplyDeleteDamon was the whole show since mike took a backseat, years ago. He was very good as the supervisor. Hope to see him soon on his own show. Still like Mike, just hope nothing too serious happened between them.
ReplyDeletemike holmes is great at what he does. but damon is the next generation of diy. he is the fresh face that people are looking for.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Shawn and Dan and their presence was missed but I adapted with Damon, now that Damon is gone I will adapt again. I love the show for what it is, not who it is.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone else noticed that Mike has removed Damon from his website? Even re holmes on homes, where it says Mike & Crew, it just reverts back the the last crew members from homes makes it right. That is really unfortunate that he chooses to not acknowledge any of the former crew, Shawn, Bengi, Dez, Kate, Pinky, Damon, who were all a major part in making both Mike & his shows a success. It's a shame.
ReplyDeleteMike was interesting, but his crew made the show enjoyable for me. Shawn, Dan then Pinky.. Damon helped carry the show after they left. If I watch other HOH look alike shows... they lack any depth beyond the host - the crew dynamic made it fun. I hope Mike realizes this and makes the crew personality part of the show.. not just Mike on his soapbox. Shame too that a tribute to the old cast is not on his web page.
ReplyDeleteI miss watching damon, oh well I guess I won't be watching much of this show.
ReplyDeleteSome people like to make a conspiracy out of everything. Possibly a little to much LSD in the adolescent years? It's like psychotic delusion of concocted scenarios I mean get a grip people the show is about mikes expertise and overabundant wealth of knowledge and his generosity. who cares if a contractor says I he's THE MAN the buck stops with him what he's says goes he's the boss. If he's a little conceited at times well who isnt when they get elevated to a position as a show host multi millionaire doing such amazing things for people and completely changing lives. Can you imagine what it would feel like to be as screwed as some of thesE people? And how much joy that must give him to be the Santa clause of the building trade. My father is a builder I'd gve anything to be in that position to give back and now I do when I can bc mike has motivated me to. U rock MIKE
ReplyDeleteI love the show and all of the dedicated workers Mike has employed over the years. By FAR, this is the best show of this type on TV and that includes the one that originates from Boston, MA (US). What Mike does for those people he helps is better than winning any multi-million dollar lottery.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed mike holmes, and his family, and crew, all of them since 2003.Mike is for real.Damon, turned out to be very good for the show, and will be missed.The loss recently of mr.lowes the painter, along with the roofers father, and the very experienced foundation man(sorry, forgot their names),is,and was tragic.Mike show to me is, and has been very informative, and I would be honored to buy them all drinks, and would like to see them all in person.Keep up the good work, mike, and the crew.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, people just grow and are ready to be their own man. It does not have to be scandal or mutiny or evil. Many have already forgotten Shawn Morren. he was the man for a few years, then moved on to open his own company. Now Damon is ready to run his own show. it is natural. It does not have to be something dark and insidious. Damon did not mention Mike by name in the thank yous... he mentioned very few by name... he just thanked groups. Maybe something split them, or maybe Damon is just ready to sail his own ship. Assistant contractors have come and gone (and sometimes come back) over the years. It is tough doing charity work, which is what it is... these folks donate so much, yet they have businesses to run and fair profits to make. It is difficult to go all over Canada and do so much work away from home and business all the time. No one has to be the bad guy. If you have attached yourself to Damon, the show will never be the same. I liked Shawn Morren the most and still miss him on the shows. Yet, it is about Mike and what he is trying to do. It does not have to be an conspiracy or evil. Sometimes folks just grow up and move on.
ReplyDeleteNo offense Anonymous, but I based my opinions expressed above on more than just what was written in the facebook post. That's all I feel at liberty to say.
DeleteI'd be happy just to know why HGTV/DIY in the US has apparently dropped all the Holmes shows. I'd also be happy if this site allowed me to use my Facebook ID.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I will really miss Damon and had wondered what happened. Happy for him in his new venture, but, wish he was still on Mike's show. He was so personable and on top of things. I think Mike, Jr. will grow into himself in time. For right now he doesn't quite make the cut in the top job or in the personality department and I wonder if he could get some help in the decorating dept. Every job looks like a bachelor pad. And the color schemes are are not the best (awful). : ) Again, so long Damon. You will sorely missed.
ReplyDeleteI think the show has run it's course. It's time to move on.
ReplyDeleteDo any of the home owners sue previous contractors? I've googled, and not found anything, but some of the issues are so egregious... I wondered if any tried to recoup money, or the free services from Mike Holmes give the desired result, and at a price tag higher than they paid. I just watched S2 E2, with the auto teacher with an 8 year old home. I find it odd that no one else in the development didn't have issues. And, the episode where Mike offered to build a new home (serious mistake on not accepting that offer)...
ReplyDeleteI live in the United Kingdom, both myself and my hubby are massive fans of Holmes on homes and Holmes inspection the 2 shows shown here, or they were, not had any new series for nearly 2 years. so too find out there are new shows, not commissioned for UK tv yet and then Damon has gone is actually very upsetting. We also hope that Mike and his family aren't getting too CELEBRITY.. it could result in no TV career. His shows are very successful because of his personality and genuine concern, something we rarely see in contractor's here. Just hope this new show gets picked up here SOON.
ReplyDeleteDommage qu'un projet qui a commencé, j'en suis certaine, pour rendre service aux gens qui ont eu besoin de contracteurs où d'inspecteurs compétant mais qui on eu des gens qui faisaient les coins ronds et qui s'en foutaient. Ils font leur argent et tant pis pour les pauvres gens qui leur ont fait confiance. Heureusement qu'il y a des gens comme Mike Holmes qui prennent à coeur le malheur de ces gens. Si vous écoutez les émissions pour savoir si Damon est gay où marié, vous n'avez pas compris le but de l'émission où les commérages sont votre pain quotidien. Dommage, vous manquez le bateau. Je crois que Mike JR n'est pas prêt mais je pense que son père est mieux placé que nous pour le savoir. Bonne chance à tous quel que sois la direction que vous prenez, vous serez toujours très important pour ceux qui ont besoin de vous. Au nom de ceux qui ont eu la chance de vous avoir dans leur vie. Est-ce qu'il y a un HOMME comme vous à Montréal, il serait le bienvenu. Merci
ReplyDeleteCome on Mike,"Do it right" You have a Great Thing. Don't throw it away - You have Thousands of followers - Who know "You did it right". Don't throw these away either!!!
ReplyDeleteJ'habite Montréal, Canada, j'écoute vos émissions en anglais et traduite en français, je n'en manque pas beaucoup, pourquoi n'y a t-Il pas de Mike Holmes au Québec ? Certainement qu'il y a l'association des inspecteurs en bâtiment au Québec mais ils sont comme ceux qui font leur travail comme ceux que dont vous devez réparer les stupidités. Je vous parle de mon frère qui a du en mettre dehors parce qu'ils n'avaient pas de compétence, l'entrepreneur a ses cartes de compétence mais pas ses employés. Mon frère devait les suivre à la trace aussi bien les peintres, plombiers, électriciens qui venaient faire plus de dégâts que de bien.Que pensez-vous d'un électricien qui prend deux heures pour essayer d'installer un ventilateur au plafond et que ça ne fonctionne pas et qui demande voulez-vous vraiment utiliser un contrôle à distance ? parce que ça ne fonctionne pas, découragé de le regarder faire mon frère a dit non, ça va aller,alors l'électricien a coupé deux fils avant que que mon frère ait eu le temps de dire un mot, Mon frère s'est fâché et l'a mit la porte mais il était trop tard, maintenant s'il y a un problème avec le ventilateur il n'y a plus de garanti ! Il a fait faire une inspection avant l'achat mais ce n'était pas une inspection Holmes, mais maintenant il a découvert qu'il a un cancer de l'intestin et il n'a plus la force ni le courage de se battre contre des gens malhonnête. Comment ce fait-il que l'association peux se porter garante de ce genre d'entrepreneur qui se servent d'employés sans cartes de compétence ? Ça leur coûte moins cher mais c'est de la fraude, mon frère à 68 ans, en faisant confiance l'association des inspecteurs en bâtiment du Québec, ils se pensaient à l'abri des fraudeurs mais c'est le contraire qui s'est produit, avec les traitements de chimio et de radio et l'opération qui s'en vient, il aura un sac pour les intestins, les problèmes de maison je m'inquiète beaucoup pour lui. Je sais que vous ne pouvez rien faire mais ça me fais du bien d'en parler a quelqu'un qui connait les problèmes qu'il vit en ce moment,surtout n'arrêter pas de faire ce que vous faite, vous ne pouvez pas aider tout le monde qui ont besoin de vous mais ceux qui peuvent profiter de vos conseils avant qu'il soit trop tard, quel aide vous leur apporter! Vous ne pouvez pas savoir à combien de personnes vos conseils sont utile, vous êtes un professeur extraordinaire, c'est clair et précis, pourquoi il faut le faire bien la première fois. J'ai assez pris de votre temps si précieux. Prenez soin de votre santé pendant qu'il est temps pour continuer d'aider comme vous le faite si bien. Vous trouverez un remplaçant à Damon, ça ne sera Damon ce sera un autre il y en a qu'un seul mais je vous fais confiance pour trouver la bonne personne. 10 ans ça fait un long contrat pour travailler presque tous les jours dans des conditions pas toujours facile pour tout le monde autant pour le patron que les employés,il y a des mariages qui ne durent pas dix ans alors c'est très normal, que se soit la raison qu'on voudra ça ne regarde que vous et lui. Je lui souhaite bonne chance, j'aimais son rire contagieux et sa façon de taquiner l'équipe mais la vie continue et la votre aussi, j'aime votre façon de changer l'atmosphère quand ça deviens difficile, Voilà c'est assez, je vais laissé la place à quelqu'un d'autre. Merci d'être là pour nous, il est près de 3 heures du matin et vous serai à l'émission Holmes le fait bien et non Holmes le fait droit. C'est encore une reprise mais ça ne fait rien, c'est toujours intéressant. Bonne nuit. Une fervente admiratrice. P.S Just'une remarque la traduction est parfaite à la télé mais écrite c'est terrible même souvent difficile à lire. Vous qui êtes si demandant pour votre travail, la maison de traduction laisse à désiré.
ReplyDeleteLove the show. Would like to see smaller wrongs and poorer folks. You guys are helping people.
ReplyDeleteQue cela soit Damon ou Mike Jr quelle importance? Le spectacle continue et on apprend énormément. J'ai même communiqué avec un ami qui posait des tuiles dans sa salle de bain et je lui ai dit de ne pas oublier de mettre un coulis sur les dalles et j'ai appris cela grâce a Mike Holmes. J'en suis fière et maintenant je continue a regarder l'émission car je sais que je serais plus utiles aux autres en continuant d'apprendre dommage que j'ai vendu ma maison il y a plusieurs années car maintenant je sais qu'elle n'était pas assez isolé du toit et des murs. J'ai appris beaucoup en écoutant Mike Holmes et je continue d'apprendre.
ReplyDeleteBiggest mistake,Damon is incredibly talented!
ReplyDeleteWow. You guys are quite the misinformed bunch, writing and responding on this post. First, let's be fair and clear.... nobody would have heard of Damian nor Shawn (the person who started with Mike Holmes as you may recall in Damian's position first as head of the crew, but moved on to start his own construction company), if it hadn't of been for Mike Holems. Mike Holmes made no secret that his goal, in future was to have his son run the business one day. If Damian's ego (which came across the screen loud and clear) couldn't handle it, that's his problem not Mike Holmes. That's what running a family business is all about- hence his daughter Amanda being a part of the show, his daughter Sherry and Mike Jr (all his children), his brother was also a part of the crew and show. If you think for one minute Damian "taught" Mike Jr, again, I think you are misinformed. Maybe for the cameras but let's face it, his dad is Mike Holmes- he was being guided and mentored by his dad not Damian.
ReplyDeleteI believe all of you are being unfair blaming Mike Holmes for choices his employees make. Damian like a few before him, got famous off the back of Mike Holmes and his name and then decided one day, he is too good for the show and wants his own. I also believe that as Mike Jr. popularity was starting to build and grow (he is a truly likeable, polite, and charming guy- like his dad), Damian's rather large ego and swollen head couldn't take it. His sudden departure was likely due to the fact that Mike Holmes Jr was starting to take the helm of the business, becoming more popular with viewers, and his fragile ego couldn't have that.
I, for one, will not watch any show Damian is a part of. I believe he waited until "famous enough" and then decided to "bite that hand that was feeding him". Good riddance. You carry on Mike Holmes, doing what you do best and never mind all the "noise". You are a great person, a great contractor and you have forever changed construction for the better.