Reading Reflection No. 3

1. For my third reading reflection, I selected "Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald’s" by Ray Kroc as my book of choice. 
     What was most surprising to me was that Mr. Kroc was not the founder or even creator of McDonald's! My local McDonalds has a plaque of him next to the cash register, and I had always just assumed that it was his creation.
     What I most admired most about Ray Kroc was his tough but entrepreneurial mindset that remained consistent throughout the book. He believed that "“A little bit of luck helps, yes, but the key element, which too many in our affluent society have forgotten, is still hard work—grinding it out... I believe that if you think small, you’ll stay small."
     What I least admired about Mr. Kroc was how he took advantage of the McDonald brothers. After reading the book, I did more research into the situation and have had a very negative view of his business practices. 

2. I think the biggest competency Mr. Kroc had was having great conceptual skills. This allowed him to have 'vision' over what he was doing, and he was very aware at all times of where he was in the business and where the business needed to be. This was exemplified with how he expanded the franchise an incredible amount.

3. One part that was confusing to me was Mr. Kroc's deal with the milkshake machine and his former paper cup company. Apparently, because he was an employee when he decided to invest into the milkshake machine, the paper cup company claimed 60% of his income off of those machines. I don't think the reasoning for this was explained well.

4.  Would you say people's assessment of you as mean or rude is accurate?
     If so, do you view your attitude as necessary for the business to exist/expand?

5. Mr. Kroc's was undeniably a big believer in hard work. I share the opinion as well, but he definitely took it to the extreme, working 19 hour days as a salesman.

Comments

  1. Brent CromerJuly 31, 2020 at 2:22 PM

    Hey Jean,
    I was going to choose to this book for my third reflection, but I decided with the one I did. I am actually happy you did this book, so I can get an idea of what it really was about without reading it. From your post, I think you have organized a reflection about the book, which helps me understand the book clearly. So great on your post for this book!

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  2. Nicolas ShenoAugust 3, 2020 at 2:27 AM

    Hey Jean,
    You did a great job explaining Ray Kroc's biography. I personally never knew who Ray Kroc was until reading this (I hadn't really put much thought into who owned McDonalds) but I have come out of reading your summary much more knowledgable on what he has done and the type of person he is. He has had a profound effect on how we view entrepreneurship and how people will go forward with how they will create their businesses.

    ReplyDelete
  3. PChase19August 3, 2020 at 8:46 AM

    Hey Jean,

    I really like what you did with this reflection. I watched the movie so I know that you did a good job highlighting the important concepts and events. What was your favorite part of the movie? I really liked when they had to make the controversial decision regarding the powder milkshakes. It seemed as though everyone wanted something different and you were definitely able to see the power dynamics between everyone.

    ReplyDelete

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