From traveling salesman to fast food titan. "Grinding it Out" by Ray Kroc

Title: Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald’s

Author: Ray Kroc

Reviewer: Richard Sesek (educator, wantrepreneur)

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Topic/Intent of book: This is a biography of Ray Kroc that details his accession from traveling salesman to fast food titan. Kroc delivers a message that hard work and a commitment to serving others is at least one path to success.

I selected this book because: I was interested in story of McDonalds and the advice of Ray Kroc with respect to business. I had heard that Ray Kroc is a great storyteller and this was borne out with this book.

Recommendation: Yes. But, I will note that this book was originally published in 1977 and much has changed since, some things quite dramatically. I will say that much of his advice is still valid and his personal work ethic is admirable, BUT, reading this in the context of today’s McDonald’s atmosphere, there is a disconnect. For example, the likelihood that an individual McDonald’s worker can “work their way up” to a franchise owner is laughably low.

The commitment of McDonald’s to “cleanliness” and the “hospitality” provide by “eager” employees seems lost today. However, I DO recommend this book as an interesting journey from the perspective of one of America’s most influential businessmen.

Major lessons from this book: This book was really interesting, but I found myself struggling to reconcile some major discrepancies (particularly regarding the McDonald’s of 1977 vs. today). However, I think the following lessons are relevant: take some chances when you are young and try many different jobs, focus on the key aspects/fundamentals of your business and “be best” at something, don’t be afraid to change directions and try new things, and, finally, keep control of your businesses as much as possible (e.g., you cannot have individual franchisees “doing their own thing” while representing yourbrand – there must be a consistently delivered, quality product that meets customer expectations).

Book Inspirations: I think the major lesson is to work hard, be persistent, and “out hustle” your competition. Ultimately, I do not believe that his “work-a-holic” advice has stood the test of time with respect to family stability and happiness. It seems that he and his family paid a “relationship price” for his success (he did end up marrying the “love of his life” who was “inconveniently” married to someone else – he was too). Any path to success for me will not involve sacrificing family relationships to achieve. I may not have his financial success, but then I’m not looking to replicate his life.