Amherst, Mass.

Michael Kittredge
56

How'd he get so rich? The founder of Yankee Candle started making candles as a teenager when he melted crayons as a gift for his mother. In 1998 Kittredge sold 90% of the firm to private equity company Forstman Little for a reported $500 million.

Learn more about the Yankee Candle

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