Steve Rifkind: The $500K Deal That Fell Apart Before New Edition

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After a proposed $500,000 deal fell apart, Steve Rifkind found an unexpected opportunity with New Edition. On Going Public with Ross Mandell, the Loud Records founder shares the setbacks, relationships, and music marketing instincts that shaped his career in the music business.

From his family’s Spring Records to managing New Edition, Steve explains how he built connections through college campuses, radio stations, record stores, and street marketing. He recalls promoting Fatback Band’s “I Found Lovin’” and discusses why listening to your audience matters. The conversation also touches on Loud Records and Wu-Tang Clan, with practical lessons in branding, word-of-mouth marketing, and recognizing talent.

For entrepreneurs, independent artists, and business owners, this episode explores recovering from failed deals, building valuable relationships, and trusting your judgment. Steve also shares his perspective on artists building independently in today’s music industry. Subscribe to Going Public with Ross Mandell for more conversations about entrepreneurship, investing, and building a business.

About Ross Mandell:

Ross Mandell is a former Wall Street professional, entrepreneur, author, and capital formation expert. On Going Public with Ross Mandell, Ross interviews athletes, entrepreneurs, investors, doctors, creators, and high performers about success, failure, reinvention, money, health, business, and what it takes to rebuild after adversity.

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

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