I'm guessing he's running some of those levers that look like mini MTB levers on the tops of his bars. That's what singlespeed brake lever makes me think of anyways.

Got Pics, OP?

I'm gonna guess housing wasn't settled into all stops and now the lever bottoms out before actually applying brake pad to rim. If that was the case, loosen cable clamp on brake arm. Make sure all cable ends are settled in. Pull cable tight. Tighten cable clamp on brake arm. Adjust as needed.