Alumnus/Alumna of the Month

Cliff Chenfeld (’85)		Craig Balsam (’86)

Cliff Chenfeld (’85) and Craig Balsam (’86)

Read an Interview with Cliff Chenfeld and Craig Balsam.

In 1990, Cliff Chenfeld and Craig Balsam founded Razor & Tie, which has become one of the fastest growing independent entertainment companies in the United States, successfully selling audio and video products through direct response television advertising, traditional retail distribution, and smart, e-commerce based Web sites. Razor & Tie, a vertically integrated company, encompasses a record label, a home video company, a media buying company, a major label distribution, an experienced marketing, promotion and sales team, a direct marketing operation, and a growing database of entertainment consumers.

Chenfeld received his J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1985. Prior to forming Razor & Tie, he practiced law at the New York-based law firm Sullivan & Cromwell. Chenfeld is active in political, philanthropic, and community affairs and coaches a number of youth sports teams.

Balsam received his J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1986 after graduating from Emory University. Prior to forming Razor & Tie, he practiced law in Manhattan at Robinson, Silverman, Pearce, Aronsohn and Berman (now Bryan Cave). He is active in political, philanthropic and community affairs, through both Razor & Tie and his activity on the Board of Trustees at LREI (Little Red Elisabeth Irwin High School) and by his support of the performing arts at New York City’s City Center and Off Broadway’s MCC Theater. In addition, Balsam coaches a number of youth soccer and baseball teams.