Building a Beverage Brand with Yanni Hufnagel, Founder of Lemon Perfect

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