Grinding it out: The Making of Mcdonalds

.....of the genesis of a commercial organisation that now has spread it's 'fast food' tentacles to just about every corner of the world, and is now arguably the most well known retail brand name ever known.The founder of McDonald's Ray Kroc (helped by Robert Anderson) recounts his visit in 1954 to San Bernardino near San Diego to call upon the McDonald Brothers who owned a small 200 feet square food outlet. He was visiting them hopeful of selling them one or more of the milk shake machines he was hawking wherever he saw an opportunity but what he found was at the age of 52, an idea that he instantly thought would be a great business opportunity if 'rolled out' by way of company owned branches or franchises across the States.....low cost quality hamburgers (in those days selling for fifteen cents) with well sourced and cooked fries, a milk shake, and little else. He tried to persuade the Brothers to go into business together with the intention of expanding the business but were only interested if Ray Kroc was solely responsible for the opening of all new outlets as they were quite happy with their lifestyles and didn't want the additional aggravation. A contract was drawn up and at the age of 52 with diabetes and incipient arthritis he found himself embarking upon a business for which he had little experience.The outcome of this entrepreneurial 'gamble' is well known and just about everybody is aware of the phenomenal success of the McDonald business but this book in a very 'folksie' narrative fills in the way the McDonald very simple and straightforward philosophy was evolved, and implemented across the whole business of fast food retailing from ingredient sourcing, preparation, staff attitudes, interior design, imaging, marketing and advertising.Whilst this book was completed in 1977, just 7 years before Mr Kroc died aged 82, and only obviously deals with the company's progress until that time, it certainly very comprehensively 'paints the picture' and explains the whole ethos by which the company based and still bases it's success.A truly inspirational book that would be of great interest and benefit to the casual reader, a McDonald's aficionado, or any established or intending entrepreneur already in or wanting to be in the fast food business.

Very interesting book on the founder of McDonalds.

A good informative book that gives you the basic history of how Mcdonalds came to be. From the early days of the Mcdonalds brother's running the place to Ray Croc discovering the "goldmine" and the potential he saw on his first visit to the restaurant. The book itself if small and can easily be comfortably fitted into a pocket of a coat for ease of travel should you want to read it on a train or bus etc.

Grinding It Out accounts the rise of McDonald and although the book was written in 1977 the author discusses many essential management principles which are still relevant in a business operation.This book is written in an easy to read manner making it approachable for pretty much anyone a bit like McDonald's. However it is important to take the information from this book with a pinch of salt because it is an autobiography so the author is likely to be biased in certain aspects. Nevertheless anyone interested in management should definitely read this book as it makes you realise why certain companies succeed and others fail!

The book is very old- it was finished in the early 80s and Ray Kroc is long since dead, but it is a great book.It tells the story of how a middle aged salesman spotted a great product invented by two slightly unambitious characters and then set about world domination.Due to the time in which it was written, it has a few comments which would now be seen as sexist (for example he employed a man as a secretary so he could also send him out as a salesperson), there is a lot to be learnt from this book.However, like many books by successful businessmen one thing stands out as the key ingredient to make success- and that is hard work and dedication above all else, or as Ray liked to say; "Grinding it out".

Interesting read

This is another one of my 'late reviews'I've been going through my purchase history on Amazon, and discovered this gem purchased in 2003 - 14 years ago now!It changed my life to be fair.At the time, I was running a business that I hated working in. Staff were a nightmare, customers of those staff seemed like a nightmare, and the location seemed all wrong.I know this has since been made into a film, but the film really doesn't represent what's in this book.This book details the struggles of one man in his own business, and how he 'made it easy' for himself. There are lessons to be learned abound in here - all of which I still stick to today.Are you in business? If so, you should read this book. I did, in 2003 as it happens. By 2006, my businesses were running themselves and were more profitable than ever.I went to work 'on the business, not in the business' after reading this. And so will you.It's the best business book I have ever read.

I was lead to this book after watching the inspiring Hollywood movie "The Founder"It is the story of rags to riches.The story of a smart salesman - who took risks and worked hard to create his own luck.Contrary to the movie, Ray was a successful milkshake salesman before he went to McDonald - he was success at everything he did, and there was no reason for him to move to a highly risky venture of setting up a burger franchise - he was earning well. But he saw the potential and did everything to make it happen. He worked two jobs while setting up McDonalds in his local area.Note that other people saw what the McDonald brothers were doing but failed to replicate their success.This is an entertaining read - a page turner - that will inspire you - to work hard and take risks in business or your job. A must read

Very interesting and fun fun to read in most parts , the movie does injustice to Mr Kroc and his story .

Lo que buscaba

the book about life, the book about making a choice, if you stay where you are now, or go out and make a billion(or million).Changes in the world and your life as well. At the end of the day, success is measured by the $ you have. And if 54 years old mediocre salesman with diabetes took courage, worked hard, and did not give up to make his dream happen!! then we should too!There are some serious knowledge about sales and business development techniques, so its a bargain for its price, and absolutely must read for someone whos starting a business or just wants to win in life!

Me gustó que es compacto.

I picked this book up based on a review of the movie I heard on the Ben Shapiro podcast and I am glad I did. This book surpassed my expectations on almost every front.As far as writing style and flow goes, it was an engaging read. I had a hard time putting it down, I liked the writing style and flow of the story.Written by Ray Kroc himself it shows the reader what can be accomplished by someone if you dedicate yourself 100% to something you believe in. Ray Kroc believed in the McDonald's fast food restaurant and took it beyond any expectations that the McDonalds brothers could have imagined or planned to go with it.What you see in this story is a visionary at work and the steps that were taken to maximize that vision to it's fullest potential. An example is seen early on when in one of the first franchise stores the french fries come out bland. They were not the same as they were at the McDonalds brother's restaurant. He ends up going above and beyond to find out why and does. That requirement for perfection is seen throughout the book as Kroc continues to build the McDonalds empire by investing his own capital in to it, taking risks, bringing the right people in even when at times he couldn't afford them but convinced them to believe in his vision then later rewarding them handsomely.In the end Ray Kroc became a very wealthy man but you get from this book that he didn't really care too much about that. He was more focused on making McDonalds the best it could be then making it better. I know I'm still looking for my McDonalds and for all I know it's right in front of me. After having read this book I can now say I have a better understanding of how a single idea with the right vision, dedication, motivation and belief can reach amazing heights. 5+ stars for sure.