[3][4] He started his career at Citibank and then worked as a corporate finance specialist at Ladenburg Thalmann, a New York-based investment bank, for thirteen years, becoming Chairman and CEO in 1995.
[2][7] To improve Griffon's balance sheet, Kramer secured a new $100 million revolving line of credit from JPMorgan Chase, exited the residential installation services business, refinanced Griffon's senior debt, and raised approximately $250 million through a common stock rights offering with investments by Goldman Sachs and Kramer himself.
In addition, Griffon executed a number of smaller tuck-in acquisitions for Griffon's subsidiary, The AMES Companies, which expanded the company's geographic footprint in Australia and the United Kingdom as well as expanding the AMES product portfolio.
Griffon operates as a diversified management and holding company, conducting business through its wholly owned subsidiaries: Clopay Building Products, the largest manufacturer of residential garage doors in North America; The AMES Companies, a leading global manufacturer of non-powered lawn and garden tools and accessories; ClosetMaid, a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of closet organization, home storage, and garage storage products; and Telephonics Corporation, a manufacturer of advanced electronic surveillance, intelligence and communication systems for defense, aerospace and civil applications.
[9] Kramer has served on the Board of Directors of Leap Wireless International, Monster Worldwide, Sapphire Industrials Corporation, Grand Casinos, Republic Properties, New Valley Corporation, and Lakes Entertainment.