"[4] Stiefel developed an early interest in entertainment through exposure to classic films and to iconic rhythm and blues artists such as The Supremes, Fats Domino, Etta James, Ray Charles, and Stevie Wonder.

He rose up the ranks, working with Jacqueline Susann, Gore Vidal, and Tom Wolfe,[6] and when he left Bantam, at 22, he was one of book publishing's youngest directors.

Shortly after signing with Stiefel, Goldman wrote the script for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, which won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 1975.

[7] Stiefel broadened his roster to include actors and musicians, signing Bette Midler, Natalie Wood, Robert Wagner,[8] and Jeff Goldblum,[9] among others.

[23] In 1992, Stiefel co-founded Gasoline Alley Records,[24] a joint venture with MCA,[25] most notably releasing Sublime's multi-platinum eponymous debut.

With a clientele that included celebrities and industry heavyweights, Il Sole[32] became a "power restaurant", and retained its status until Stiefel and Hewitt sold it in 2011.