Assignment 13A – Reading Reflection No. 1

Assignment 13A – Reading Reflection No. 1

I read Grinding it Out: The Making of McDonald’s by Ray Kroc.

1.     What surprised you the most? I was most surprised to learn that Ray Kroc did not start the McDonald’s empire until the late age of 52 years old. I think many people feel like they are in such a rush to do something great or spectacular with their lives, when many times some of the most successful people don’t find their success until later in life. Before starting McDonald’s, Kroc worked for others as a salesman and then eventually a sales manager for his own small business.

2.     What about the entrepreneur did you most admire? I admired that Ray Kroc was able to maintain the same philosophy throughout his entire life. Whether it was when he was a multimillionaire, or if it was when he was selling paper cups for $35 a week. In his book, he says “I have always believed that each man makes his own happiness and is responsible for his own problems.” I believe this is a great attitude for an entrepreneur to have, because it encourages you to take opportunities when they are there and to not blame other for your problems. This motto especially helped Kroc, because it allowed him to jump at an opportunity he found, even in his late age of 52.

3.     What about the entrepreneur did you least admire? I thing I least admire about Ray Kroc is that he is responsible for creating/spreading such an unhealthy food choice for Americans and a lot of the world. McDonald’s drove the new idea of fast food when it became such a large chain. It is known for being incredibly unhealthy and its popularity has encouraged more and more people to eat unhealthily, simply for the convenience and inexpensiveness of it.

4.     Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? For most of Ray Kroc’s life he worked in difficult jobs. He was a piano player, he sold real estate, and also sold cups. When Kroc eventually became involved in opening new McDonald’s locations, he struggled. One issue was quality control, he could not get the fries to taste right, even with the secret recipe.

5.     What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited? Ray Kroc was a great businessman, which lead to much of his success. A lot of his business knowledge and skills came from selling paper cups. He learned how to sell cups to anyone. He was also skilled in stress management and thrift; he was always careful with the company’s money. He was resistant when growing the McDonald’s business, which is where the title “Grinding it Out” came from.

6.     Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you. I was initially confused at Ray Kroc’s involvement in starting McDonald’s. When he became involved in the business it was through his business relationship with Mac and Dick McDonald. They were already developing the famous yellow arches that McDonald’s would eventually become known for. Eventually, the brothers had Kroc help franchise their business. And Ray Kroc is ultimately given the recognition for making McDonald’s what it is today.

7.     If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why? 

a.     Is this what you envisioned McDonald’s would become? A world-wide fast food restaurant that is known for being very unhealthy?

                                               i.     I would ask this question because McDonald’s has become the most widespread and popular fast food restaurant in the world. However, many people have a negative viewpoint of it because of how unhealthy it is. It is blamed for the rise in popularity of fast food.

b.    If you had never met the McDonald’s brothers, do you think you would’ve found a different business to work with? Or potentially started your own business?

                                               i.     I am curious about this because Ray Kroc doesn’t get the entire credit for McDonald’s. The original restaurant was started by others. I would like to know if he thinks he would have found a different opportunity, or created his own opportunity.

8.     For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? I think Ray Kroc had a clear viewpoint on what hard work was. From the title of his autobiography, “Grinding it Out,” he discusses the importance to keep ‘grinding’ no matter what throughout his book. I believe he thinks everyone is responsible for their own life and it is up to you to find your own opportunities and work hard for them.