Reading Reflection - 13A

1) I read Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald’s by Ray Kroc.

What surprised you the most? 

Although some people may consider and view Ray Kroc as the villain who stole the McDonalds name from the original owners,  I found him to be a fascinating man with an incredible and inspiring story. I finished the book, actually respecting his entrepreneurial tenacity and drive. I recommend reading the book to understand the man behind the brand a little bit better.

What about the entrepreneur did you most admire? 

His vision and hustle. Ray Kroc could see opportunities when they might not have been that obvious to others or at the time. I believe you need to have a certain quality to be successful in sales. Not everyone is good at it or should dedicate their time to pursue a career in it.

What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?

In 1961, The McDonald brothers sold the company to Ray Kroc for $2.7 million. Ray stated in his book that the deal included the original McDonald's restaurant in San Bernardino, which he says the brothers last minute refused to sell. This infuriated Kroc, but he still went through with the sale. But without the rights to their name, the McDonalds brothers were forced to rename their restaurant The Big M. So to get vengeance, Kroc opened a brand-new McDonald's one block away and put The Big M out of business. I believe Kroc let his emotions get the best of him and, unfortunately, cost the brothers their restaurant.

Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it?

Ray Kroc was successful but also experienced failure on many occasions. From not graduating high school to working odd end jobs to pay his bills, to his divorce, and people not believing in him, he faced many adversities. But these failures helped him develop a winning mindset that eventually led him to see and create an opportunity with the McDonald's brothers. He never gave up, even though many people would've thrown in the towel in his situation or would've settled for less than they deserve. But not him. He never had that attitude and always strived for more.  He succeeded because he was persistent, worked hard, and was ambitious.

2) What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited?

Persistence and his ability to adapt to any situation. Ray Kroc was the type of person that would never take no for an answer. He always found a way to make things work or to persuade people to change their minds about a situation. Regardless of the type of job he was doing, from selling lemonade to playing the piano to running McDonald's, he always gave it 100%. In the end, persistence and consistency will lead to success.

3) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

There was nothing in the book that was confusing to me. Ray Kroc did an excellent job of going into great detail about his failures and successes throughout his life, both professionally and personally.

4) If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why?

What is your biggest regret in life?
Who is someone you admire that you'd love to have dinner with?

I think asking these two types of questions always lets you in on what kind of person they are, and it's interesting to see their response.

5) For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion?

Ray Kroc believed that hard work and unrelenting perseverance is what leads a person to success. This a quote from the book that perfectly sums up his belief:


"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

I agree with Ray Kroc. No matter how talented you are, if you don't work hard, nothing will happen for you.