Yanni Hufnagel Wiki, Age, Wife, Net Worth, Career & More

Yanni Hufnagel (age 41, born August 26, 1982) is the Founder and CEO of The Lemon Perfect Company. He’s not your typical business founder; Yanni initially made a name for himself in the world of American basketball coaching.

With an impressive coaching stint spanning over eight years, he left his mark on teams like the Harvard Crimson, California Golden Bears, Vanderbilt Commodores, and Oklahoma Sooners. Yanni wrapped up his coaching career in 2017 with the Nevada Wolf Pack.

But life had a different game plan for him. Yanni made a bold move into the beverage industry, taking the plunge to start The Lemon Perfect Company, based in Atlanta. Despite lacking prior experience in this field, his unwavering dedication and hard work transformed his brand into one of the fastest-growing players in the market.

The success of Lemon Perfect didn’t go unnoticed. Big names, including celebrities like Beyoncé, were drawn to the refreshing concept. Yanni Hufnagel’s journey as an entrepreneur showcases his ability to pivot successfully, transitioning seamlessly from the basketball court to the beverage market.

Hufnagel’s journey as an entrepreneur showcases his ability to pivot and thrive in different industries. Keep reading to discover more about his inspiring story.

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Yanni Hufnagel’s Career As Coach

Yanni Hufnagel’s coaching journey began with the New Jersey Nets before making a move to the University of Oklahoma. There, he worked as a graduate assistant coach, making a mark in the development of players like Blake Griffin.

During his time at Oklahoma, Yanni pursued his master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education, specializing in Intercollegiate Athletics Administration, completing it in 2010.

In 2009, he joined the Harvard Crimson men’s basketball program as an assistant coach under Tommy Amaker. Yanni gained attention for his recruiting skills, even earning recognition in a CBS Sports survey as the mid-major assistant coach most likely to achieve greater success.

At Harvard, his impact on player development was evident with notable names like Jeremy Lin and Wesley Saunders. Over four years, Harvard soared with an impressive 90–30 record, including a memorable upset victory against New Mexico in the 2013 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament.

Despite an opportunity to coach the Team USA Youth Team at the 19th Maccabiah Games, Yanni chose to become an assistant coach with the Vanderbilt Commodores.

His journey continued with the California Golden Bears in 2014. There, he played a pivotal role in recruiting talents like Jaylen Brown and Ivan Rabb, contributing to the team’s successful 2016 NCAA Tournament appearance.

However, his time at California faced controversy in 2015 when a sexual harassment complaint was filed against him. Following an investigation, Yanni was terminated in March 2016. His lawyer clarified that the relationship was limited to flirtation and did not progress physically.

Undeterred, Yanni joined Eric Musselman and the University of Nevada Wolf Pack men’s basketball team as an assistant coach in April 2016. However, the partnership concluded after one season with a mutual parting of ways.

How did Yanni Hufnagel build Lemon Perfect?

In 2017, Yanni Hufnagel started Lemon Perfect, a brand all about tasty lemon water. They scored big by winning the “Best New Product” award in 2019 from BevNET. The real boost came in 2020 when Beyoncé shared a pic with their product on Instagram, making Lemon Perfect go viral.

Taking advantage of the buzz, Lemon Perfect got a solid $11.6 million in funding in August 2020. Big names like Blake Griffin, Josh Hart, Meyers Leonard, and Spencer Dinwiddie pitched in. The momentum kept rolling, leading to an even bigger $31 million Series A funding round in April 2022.

This time, the investment dream team included Beyoncé as a Series A investor, plus Beechwood Capital, NNS Capital, and Trousdale Ventures. Thanks to this cash injection, Lemon Perfect’s total funding shot past $42.2 million, pushing the company’s overall value past $100 million.

Yanni Hufnagel Family Background

On August 26, 1982, Yanni Hufnagel (age 41) was born in New York, USA. Growing up in Scarsdale, New York, he holds dear his Jewish heritage. His journey into sports began with lacrosse during his time at Scarsdale High School, where he not only showcased his skills but also captained the team.

Though facing a setback in varsity basketball at Scarsdale High, Yanni’s love for the game remained steadfast. He pivoted to become a color commentator for the team’s games on a local TV channel, displaying his enduring passion for basketball.

Academically, Yanni spent a year as a defenseman on the lacrosse team at Pennsylvania State University. However, his heart was set on basketball, leading him to transfer to Cornell University.

There, he took on the role of student manager for the Big Red men’s basketball team while studying Industrial and Labor Relations, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 2006.

Yanni Hufnagel FAQs

Ques: How old is Yanni Hufnagel?

Ans: Yanni is 41.

Ques: When did Yanni Hufnagel start Lemon Perfect?

Ans: In December 2017.

Ques: What is Yanni Hufnagel net worth?

Ans: USD 10.37 Million.