Reading Reflection No.2

Book: Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald’s, Ray Kroc

1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?

The general theme of the book is the creation and journey of Ray Kroc and the McDonald's brothers in the creation of the fast-food chain restaurant, McDonald's. It's told from the perspective of Ray Kroc as he is the author of his autobiography. 

2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?

The book explains the entrepreneurial mindset from the perspective of a successful entrepreneur. Ray Kroc provides an interesting meaning to having the drive or the will to pursue ideas and goals. I think he enhanced my idea of what perseverance is. I believe I connect with his way of thinking outside of the box. 

3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?

The exercise I would design would be based upon the experiment to take something that hasn't been innovated or revolutionized in a while like a notecard and take the product and take it into a different direction. I want the notecard to be looked at in a different way and used in a matter never before. This would represent Ray Kroc's idea to make a diner into a fast-pace chain restaurant that produces cheap and ready food for the masses, where an idea thought to be impossible becomes possible.

4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?

The biggest surprise in the book was the fact that Ray Kroc and the McDonald's brothers didn't seem to agree on a lot on some business decisions throughout their involvement in the company. Yet, they seem to always put through a combined effort for the best decisions for the business. I believe that mixing personal relationships with business can end badly, but they seem to steady the ship quite well because they did end up creating a massive company.