Krikor Yepremian
Krikor Sarkis Yepremian | |
|---|---|
| Born | Cyprus |
| Died | 2018 |
| Occupation(s) | Sports executive, businessman |
| Years active | 1960s–1990s |
| Known for | General manager of Fort Lauderdale Strikers and New York Cosmos; president of New York Arrows; co-founder of Neuchatel Chocolates |
Krikor Sarkis Yepremian was a sports executive of Armenian Cypriot–American heritage who held the position of general manager for both the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and the New York Cosmos within the North American Soccer League. Additionally, he served as president of the New York Arrows competing in the Major Indoor Soccer League.
Early life
Born to Armenian roots, Yepremian relocated from Cyprus to the United States during the 1960s. He attended Indiana University Bloomington, where he took on roles as both player and coach for the Indiana Hoosiers men's soccer squad.[1] In 1966, he convinced his brother, Garo Yepremian, who was then playing soccer in England, to move to the U.S. Krikor introduced Garo to kicking an American football, which led to an offer from the Butler Bulldogs football program. Although NCAA eligibility rules prevented Garo from participating in collegiate sports, he went on to establish a career as an NFL kicker.[2] Garo ultimately played for the Detroit Lions between 1966 and 1967 and later joined the Miami Dolphins starting in 1970.[1][3] Krikor took charge of managing his brother’s professional career and handled contract negotiations.[4]
Soccer team management
In 1976, Yepremian was named general manager of the Miami Toros within the North American Soccer League.[5] Though lacking prior experience in soccer management, the Robbie family—owners of both the Toros and Dolphins—trusted his business expertise demonstrated through managing his brother’s career. Shortly after his appointment, the franchise moved from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.[6] Initially, Yepremian suggested naming the team Fort Lauderdale Sea Boots; however, it was ultimately branded as the Strikers.[7]
Following the conclusion of the 1977 season, Yepremian shifted roles to become executive assistant with the New York Cosmos.[8] He advanced to general manager in 1978 and was elevated to vice president by 1979.[9][10] Under his guidance, the Cosmos captured two Soccer Bowl championships in 1978 and 1980.[11] He stepped down after the end of the 1981 season to explore other business ventures.[12] Shortly thereafter, he assumed presidency of the New York Arrows competing in the Major Indoor Soccer League.[13] The following season proved difficult for the team and Yepremian eventually left his position.[14]
Neuchatel Chocolates
During a job interview with the Cosmos in New York City, Yepremian met his future wife, Patricia. Patricia had experience managing chocolate shops at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel but aspired to launch her own enterprise. Together, in 1981, they established Neuchatel Chocolates. By 1986, they had moved to Oxford, Pennsylvania and opened a modest production facility. Capitalizing on their established reputation in New York, they expanded through franchising and by 1994 operated outlets in Philadelphia, San Diego, Minneapolis, and Chicago. Their client list included prestigious venues such as Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and numerous Trump hotels and casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey, along with a store located in Trump Towers. The Yepremians filed for bankruptcy in the mid-1990s, after which Albert Lauber took ownership of the business.
Later life
Following a fire that destroyed their Oxford residence, the Yepremians relocated to Palm Harbor, Florida, where Krikor worked at a Buick dealership selling vehicles. Subsequently, they moved to Hemet, California. Yepremian died in 2018.
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedBoston Globe - ↑ "Cypriot Kicker Dazzles Falcon Coaching Staff". St. Joseph News-Press. October 13, 1966. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
- ↑ Buttgen, Bob (October 13, 1981). "Garo Gives Old Boss Boot in N. Smyrna". Daytona Beach Morning Journal. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
- ↑ Buttgen, Bob (October 13, 1981). "Garo Gives Old Boss Boot in N. Smyrna". Daytona Beach Morning Journal. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
- ↑ "Sports Omnibus". The Evening Independent. November 18, 1976. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
- ↑ Meyer, John (December 24, 1976). "Toros Try New City ... Where The Fans Are". The Evening Independent. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
- ↑ Gammon, Clive (July 11, 1977). "He's Still Holding The Fort". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
- ↑ "To Change Jobs". The Bryan Times. November 15, 1977. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
- ↑ "Yepremian Kin Is Cosmos GM". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. February 2, 1978. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
- ↑ "Yepremian named Cosmos VP". Lakeland Ledger. September 26, 1979. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
- ↑ Atkin, Ross (September 26, 1980). "Cosmos regain soccer title". Christian Science Monitor.
- ↑ "Cosmos hire Werblin as GM". The Bulletin. November 11, 1981. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
- ↑ Yannis, Alex (November 21, 1981). "Arrows Triumph". The New York Times.
- ↑ "Arrows to Play Only in Nassau". The New York Times. November 3, 1982.