13A: Reading Reflection No. 1

Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald's, Ray Kroc

• I can't think of something that was too surprising to me because I have already heard a lot of the making and creation of the McDonald's take over. Something I found interesting was the placement of Ray Kroc's house on top of a hill in the perfect location to look down on the local McDonald's from his living room. He really loved what he did and had no desire to take a break from what he does
• I did admire Ray Kroc's confidence. He said so himself, "An executive is a person who rarely makes mistakes."
• At first I was lead to believe that the entrepreneur was Ray Kroc, but the real creators were Mac and Dick McDonald. What I disliked the most was the bully personality that came out of Kroc because he tried to take over their burger restaurant that the brothers created. When the brothers changed the name of their creation to "The Big M" Kroc ran them out of business by starting a McDonald across the street. While it is necessary to be competitive, I do not see morality in the way Ray Kroc decided to go about his business decisions.
• I would not consider Ray Kroc to have encountered any extreme failure. Although, he did go through ups and downs throughout the build up of the business. Kroc's confidence and perseverance seemed to be what got him through any situation.
• Ray Kroc's competencies were exhibited being able to execute any situation immediately and successfully. For instance, the situation where he saw a chance to run out competition. He had no fear and did what he thought was necessary to take care of the situation.
• I was confused by the books explanation of planning not being necessary. When I think of creating a business planning and organization is the first thing that comes to my mind. 
• I would ask Ray Kroc what kept him going for the thirty years that he was struggling to find success? I would also ask why he didn't choose to buy out a different name, why did he see so much potential in "McDonald's"?
• I remember reading that Ray Kroc sees success with endurance. The more you put time and effort you put in, the more you will get out even if it takes decades.