About the Owner

My name is Mike, and I am the owner of Columbia Candles.  The company was formed out of the desire to create high quality handmade products, while producing them locally with as many sustainable products as possible.

From a glance, a candle can be perceived as a simple product of flame and fuel.  However, an experienced candlemaker will tell you that candles are very complex systems.  Choosing the right wax and wick to work within a specific vessel, while ensuring safe operating temperatures and conditions takes a considerable amount of time, dedication, and innovation.  Additionally, significant research and effort is required to create a desired scent throw and maximize burn time.  Striking a balance between aesthetics and science is necessary for a high quality product, but the journey and the accomplishment are some of the aspects I enjoy the most!

As the owner, I wear many hats.  I am solely responsible for manufacturing, design, testing, marketing, networking, and innovation.  Two of the things that ignite my passion for small business are the variety of tasks and the many challenges that small business owners face.  As a mechanical engineer, I possess extensive technical knowledge and industry experience.  This background allows me to produce candles in new and innovative ways, bringing consistency and efficiency to the processes involved.

Outside of my commitment to the business, I engage in a wide variety of activities.  I have a slight obsession with wood, which is expressed through forest management, processing firewood, cutting logs into lumber, and of course woodworking.  You'll see the fruits of my labor are incorporated into some of the candle products. My other hobbies include riding motorcycles, cycling, fabrication, and spending time with my family.

I am so excited to see where the candle business goes!  I love interacting with customers, friends, family, suppliers, and anyone else who I encounter along the way.  I simply couldn’t operate without all of you, and your support means so much to me.

Regards,

Mike