Made in New Jersey: South River candle maker finds success crafting scents for national brands
For the last four years, the company has been owned by Chad Hildebrandt, a former Wall Street professional who took a major leap into entrepreneurship.
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One of New Jersey’s most notable candle makers is lighting up businesses across the country from its headquarters in South River.
In this week's Made in New Jersey, News 12's Jack Ford visits A Candle Co., a business that has been making candles for nearly two decades.
For the last four years, the company has been owned by Chad Hildebrandt, a former Wall Street professional who took a major leap into entrepreneurship.
“I spent 17 years on Wall Street. I decided that I didn't want to anymore,” Hildebrandt said. “Four years ago, I took over the business and put my entire life savings into it.”
Today, Hildebrandt and a team of about 10 employees create custom candles for a wide range of clients.
The company works with major hotel chains, established candle brands and retailers looking to create signature scents that complement their products.
Inside the South River facility, workers combine wax, fragrances and wicks to create custom candles tailored to each customer's vision.
Once a design is finalized, the process begins with placing the wick, carefully measuring the wax and fragrance mixture and pouring the product before it cools overnight.
The finished candles are then shipped to brands across the country.
“I would say if you're in the U.S. and you've bought a fair number of candles, you've undoubtedly smelled one of our candles at some point,” Hildebrandt said.
The company says its mission is simple: create high-quality custom candles that help brands stand out.
