Milton S. Hershey (1857-1945) was an American businessman and philanthropist who founded the Hershey Company. He had little formal education and apprenticed as a printer and candy maker. After early business failures, he started the Lancaster Caramel Company in 1883 which was successful. In 1893, he transitioned to chocolate production. By the early 1900s, he had built the massive Hershey factory and the model town of Hershey, Pennsylvania to house his employees. Hershey also established charitable foundations and schools to benefit children and the local community.