Mike Kittredge was an American entrepreneur best known for founding the candle company Yankee Candle. He started the business in 1969 when he made candles as a gift for his mother. His passion for candle-making quickly grew, leading him to sell his creations to local shops. Under Kittredge's leadership, Yankee Candle expanded significantly, becoming one of the largest candle manufacturers in the world. In 1998, he sold the company to Newell Rubbermaid, but he remained involved in the candle industry and continued to inspire others with his entrepreneurial spirit.