Born in Burbank, California on January 27, 1987, Yakes grew up throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Yakes was born with a rare hereditary vision disorder known as Achromatopsia (affects 1 person in 33,000 in the U.S.), which causes him to wear tinted sunglasses in and out doors.

As a teenager Yakes attended John Burroughs High School where he was a member of the Business Academy and Associated Student Body (ASB). During an ASB meeting Yakes met Mike Mortorano, Field Marketing Manager at Interscope Records, who was so impressed by Yakes he offered the then senior a three month internship. Yakes graduated from high school as the ASB Vice President and as a two time winner of the Business Academy's Entrepreneurial Achievement Award (2003-2004 & 2004-2005).

Yakes attended Woodbury University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Communications. While at Woodbury, he was involved in seven organizations/committees including; Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, Program Board, Collegiate Entrepreneur Organization (CEO), just to name a few. Yakes was recognized with a student leader biography in the President's Report (2010) and upon graduating received the Leadership Behind the Scenes Award.

While in college Yakes met business partner Shawn Morey who founded Paid to Play Media Group. Yakes was first hired by Morey as the Director of Public Relations. However, he quickly worked his way to the top of the company and is currently Paid to Play's President.

"Paid to Play Media Group is a diverse nightlife and entertainment group. Paid To Play is the only company of its kind, encompassing all aspects of the nightlife industry. In addition to specializing in nightlife and event production the company offers a wide variety of services in its nightlife consulting division. Through many years in the nightlife industry, our team has set out to educate and consult venues on any of their marketing, design and social media needs. With the vision of delivering an unforgettable nightlife experience."

Together Yakes and Morey wrote and published the ebook, The Nightclub Promoter Guide, which is sold on Paid to Play's company site.

Yakes last worked for California Fight Syndicate (CFS).