13A: Reading Reflection No. 1
I chose to read: Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald's, Ray Kroc
1.) I was surprised that Ray Kroc is the one who pretty much stole McDonald's.
I did admire the fact that he started out as a milkshake machine sales person and worked his way up to a billion dollar company owner.
Then again his path to that outcome pretty much resulted in him stealing the business and giving the McDonald's brothers no chance. In a sense he was a THEIF.
Of course he felt failure. He started out selling milkshake machines and was just about to quit because it was too hard. His end result in selling the machines resulted in FAILURE. Before that he was selling cups and didn't make one sale. His adversity in the sales business also played a huge role.
2.) I noticed that Ray Kroc had the personality. Starting out as a salesman you need to be a hustler. His ability to grow his personality is what made him be able to make the decisions in the future.
3.) I was confused about how Ray Kroc was able to take over the corporation completely. I understand he had an advantage over them, but on the business side of it, It was the McDonalds brothers company from scratch!
4.) I would ask (1) At the end of the day, when you officially gained control of McDonald's, what was your thought going to bed? Was it positive? Some sort of regret? (2) What is the biggest advice you have someone going into business?
I would ask these questions because first off I feel like he had to have some sort of regret stealing the company but secondly, because I like hearing different advice from successful business owners.
5.) I would say Ray Kroc's definition of hard work is to never give up. He went so many routes being a salesman, and so many routes that ended in failure. He didn't give up and because of the hard work he made it. He made it very well.
It definitely sounds like Ray had a high level of perseverance. I never really knew the back story of McDonalds until I saw your post and looked it up myself as well. I know if I were him, I would have some regret. Sure, all that money wipes out a lot of concerns, but there's still some immorality involved.
ReplyDeleteThomas, very interesting post. I like how you gave background information about the business development. I would have liked to have known more facts though only because I think its so interesting. Kroc started a billion-dollar company. Why didn’t he let the McDonald’s brothers in on some of the work being done? He would’ve had a better reputation rather than being known as a “thief” as you mentioned.
ReplyDelete