Yankee Candle, a household name in home fragrance, was founded by an enterprising young man named Michael Kittredge in 1969. At just 16 years old, Kittredge started his entrepreneurial journey in the small town of South Hadley, Massachusetts. He began by making candles from melted crayons in his parents’ kitchen, a hobby that quickly turned into a profitable venture when he sold his first candle for $10.

As demand grew, Kittredge expanded his operation to a small workshop behind his family’s home. He continued to experiment with different wax types and scents, eventually creating the iconic Yankee Candle fragrance that we know today. In 1971, at the age of 18, Kittredge opened his first retail store in a converted garage, marking the official beginning of the Yankee Candle Company.

Yankee Candle Owner’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, the latest available information estimates the net worth of Yankee Candle’s owner, Michael Kittredge II, to be around $2.5 billion. This significant wealth is primarily attributed to his ownership and leadership of the iconic candle and home fragrance company.

Career

Michael Kittredge II, born in 1954, is a prominent American businessman and the founder of Yankee Candle. He started the company in 1969 at the age of 16, with a homemade candle as a gift for his mother. By 1977, Yankee Candle had become a full-time business, and Kittredge has since grown it into a global retail brand.

Other Ventures

Beyond Yankee Candle, Kittredge has invested in various other ventures. In 2011, he founded the Wicked Good Cupcakes company with his daughter, Amanda. He also serves on the board of directors for several other companies, including the YUM! Brands board, demonstrating his diverse business interests.

Assets

Kittredge’s assets include a substantial stake in Yankee Candle, which operates over 500 retail stores worldwide. He also owns real estate, including his primary residence in Massachusetts. Additionally, he has investments in stocks and other financial assets, contributing to his overall net worth.

Annual Income

As the majority owner of Yankee Candle, Kittredge’s annual income is primarily derived from the company’s profits. In 2020, Yankee Candle reported over $1 billion in revenue, indicating a substantial annual income for Kittredge, although the exact figure is not publicly disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Yankee Candle Owner

Frequently Asked Questions: Yankee Candle Owner Net Worth

1. Who is the current owner of Yankee Candle?

The current owner of Yankee Candle is Jarden Corporation, a consumer products company. They acquired Yankee Candle in 2012.

2. Who founded Yankee Candle?

Yankee Candle was founded by Michael Kittredge in 1969, when he was just 16 years old. He made his first candle by melting down some crayons.

3. Where is the Yankee Candle headquarters located?

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

4. What is the net worth of the Yankee Candle owner?

The net worth of Jarden Corporation, the current owner of Yankee Candle, is estimated to be around $11.5 billion.

5. How many Yankee Candle stores are there worldwide?

As of 2021, there are over 500 Yankee Candle stores worldwide, with locations in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

6. What are the most popular Yankee Candle scents?

Some of the most popular Yankee Candle scents include Clean Cotton, Vanilla Cupcake, Christmas Cookie, and Apple Pumpkin.

7. Does Yankee Candle have any charitable initiatives?

Yes, Yankee Candle supports various charitable initiatives, including the American Red Cross, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and the National Park Foundation.

8. Are Yankee Candles made in the USA?

While some Yankee Candles are made in the USA, others are manufactured in China and other countries. The company’s website does not specify the origin of each product.

9. What is the largest Yankee Candle store in the world?

The largest Yankee Candle store in the world is the Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, Massachusetts. It spans over 60,000 square feet and includes a Christmas shop, a candy shop, and a variety of other retail stores.

10. Can Yankee Candles be used in candle warmers?

Yes, Yankee Candles can be used in candle warmers. In fact, the company offers a variety of candle warmers and wax melts for this purpose.