Cut-Throat Facts About Ray Kroc And The History Of McDonald’s
"If you work just for money, you'll never make it, but if you love what you're doing and you always put the customer first, success will be yours."—Ray Kroc
The golden arches of McDonald’s are arguably more recognizable than the crucifix in today's day and age, and this is largely due to the work of Ray Kroc, known (falsely) as “The Founder” by the McDonald’s corporation. Kroc was responsible for taking the original, innovative McDonald’s restaurant chain and making it into a worldwide powerhouse of branding and industry. He was one of the most successful businessmen the world has ever seen, but he was a particular individual who fought for what he wanted in life, for better or for worse, and rewrote history in the process. But just like the company that he put his blood, sweat and tears into, there's a lot to love and a lot to hate about this complicated figure. Read on for 42 facts about his wild life and the rise of McDonald’s, the largest restaurant chain that the world has ever seen.
Ray Kroc Facts
44. Long Time Coming
Ray Kroc took the long road to success, and it wasn’t until he was 52 years old that he finally hit it big with McDonald's and could enjoy the spoils of his capitalistic victory. Just goes to show, never give up, because success can come at any time if you just keep at it!
42. Smoke-Free Area
Kroc also didn't want any fun and games in his burger joints. He prohibited pinball and cigarette machines from being put into any McDonald’s location. That rule, at least, seems to have stuck.
Public Domain Pictures
41. School Drools
As McDonald’s expanded, Kroc refused to hire any businessmen who had an MBA degree. He believed that college degrees did not teach proper competitive spirit and those who attended university were missing a certain marketing finesse. Hey, it appears to have worked out for him, so its hard to really argue his point.
