How McDonald’s Took Over America | Ray Kroc [Outliers]

Ray Kroc's journey to building McDonald's is examined, highlighting his ambition, persistence, and ruthlessness. Kroc, at 52, recognized the potential in the McDonald's system, invented by two brothers, and transformed it into a nationwide empire. His early career selling paper cups and milkshake machines provided insights into restaurant operations and customer service. Kroc's approach involved building relationships, as seen in his dealings with Walgreens and Earl Prince, and prioritizing long-term gains over short-term profits. The pivotal moment came when Harry Sonnenborn proposed controlling real estate, shifting McDonald's focus and securing its financial future. Despite challenges, Kroc's obsession with detail, standardization, and training through Hamburger University drove McDonald's growth and success.