Originally Posted by
dannylightning
my buddy built bikes for a living for many many years at a toy store. neither of us have ever worked on hydraulic brakes though, the bike was upside down when he pulled the lever.
Yes, your buddy messed the brakes up. You should never pull brake levers on hydraulic brakes when the wheels are off, as you have learned. Learn how to bleed your brakes and you'll be good again.