Yankee Candle Founder Net Worth (Updated 2026).

In the quaint town of South Deerfield, Massachusetts, a young Michael Kittredge II embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that would forever change the home fragrance industry. As a teenager in the 1960s, Michael discovered his passion for candle making while attending a local high school. With just a few dollars and a simple recipe, he began crafting candles by hand, pouring wax into milk cartons and tin cans, and selling them to neighbors and friends.

Michael’s candle business took a significant turn when, in 1969, he made a candle for his mother as a Christmas gift. The unique, hand-dipped candle caught the eye of a local store owner who offered to sell it in his shop. This marked the beginning of Yankee Candle, a brand that would grow from a small-town venture into a global phenomenon, synonymous with quality and innovation in home fragrance.

Yankee Candle Founder’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, the founder of Yankee Candle, Michael Kittredge, has an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion. This significant wealth can be attributed to his successful candle-making business, which he started in his basement at the age of 16.

Career

Michael Kittredge’s career began when he was just a teenager. In 1969, at the age of 16, he melted some crayons to make a candle for his mother as a gift. The candle was so well-received that he started selling them, eventually leading to the creation of Yankee Candle Company. He served as the CEO until 1998, when he stepped down but remained on the board of directors.

Other Ventures

After leaving Yankee Candle, Kittredge has been involved in various other ventures. He co-founded the lifestyle brand, The Grommet, in 2008, which helps undiscovered products gain market exposure. He also serves on several boards, including those of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the National Park Foundation.

Assets

Kittredge’s assets include a substantial stake in Yankee Candle, which was sold to Jarden Corporation in 2013 for $1.75 billion. He also owns real estate, including a home in Massachusetts valued at around $5 million. His art collection, which includes works by artists like David Hockney and Roy Lichtenstein, is also a significant asset.

Annual Income

While the exact figure of Michael Kittredge’s annual income is not publicly disclosed, it is estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars. This is primarily due to his investments and business ventures, including his stake in Yankee Candle and his role as a co-founder and chairman of The Grommet.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Yankee Candle Founder

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the founder of Yankee Candle?

Yankee Candle was founded by Michael Kittredge II in 1969.

2. How did Yankee Candle start?

Michael Kittredge II started Yankee Candle at the age of 16 by melting crayons to make scented candles as gifts for his mother. The business grew from there.

3. When was Yankee Candle incorporated?

Yankee Candle was incorporated in 1971.

4. Where is the headquarters of Yankee Candle?

The headquarters of Yankee Candle is located in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, USA.

5. What is the net worth of the Yankee Candle founder?

The latest estimated net worth of Michael Kittredge II is $1 billion.

6. Did Michael Kittredge II start any other businesses?

Yes, after selling Yankee Candle, Kittredge went on to found the candle company Kringle Candle Company.

7. When did Michael Kittredge II sell Yankee Candle?

Kittredge sold Yankee Candle to the company’s management team in 1993.

8. Who currently owns Yankee Candle?

Yankee Candle is currently owned by Jarden Corporation, which is a subsidiary of the consumer goods company Newell Brands.

9. What is the annual revenue of Yankee Candle?

The annual revenue of Yankee Candle is approximately $1.5 billion.

10. How many Yankee Candle stores are there worldwide?

As of 2021, there are over 500 Yankee Candle stores worldwide, with the majority located in the United States.