In this episode of The Strong New York Podcast , host Kenny Santucci sits down with Yanni Hufnagel, Founder and Executive Chairman of The Lemon Perfect Company, to explore the journey of building one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in America. Yanni shares the highs and lows of launching Lemon Perfect—a flavorful, zero-sugar lemon water —and what it takes to stand out in the highly competitive beverage industry. From reformulating products and landing major retail partnerships to maintaining resilience through it all, Yanni offers a candid look at the entrepreneurial grit behind his success. They discuss the health benefits of Lemon Perfect, its mission to revolutionize how America hydrates, and Yanni’s unexpected path from NCAA basketball coach to wellness-driven CEO. With only 10 calories and packed with vitamin C, Lemon Perfect is more than a beverage—it’s a movement. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about hustle, hydration, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:15 Strong New York Event Announcement 00:38 Welcome to the Podcast 00:56 Guest Introduction: Yani Huff Nagel 01:15 Discovering Lemon Perfect 01:36 Challenges in the Beverage Industry 02:55 The Evolution of Lemon Perfect 04:55 Overcoming Setbacks and Reformulation 12:49 Packaging and Market Strategy 28:49 Future Goals and Reflections 30:22 Building a Culture of Retention and Health 30:43 Disrupting the Beverage Industry 32:48 From Basketball Coach to Entrepreneur 36:47 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship 40:28 Celebrity Endorsements and Strategic Partnerships 44:30 Innovation and Future Plans 48:03 Expanding Distribution and Market Reach 56:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
