Ray Kroc dropped out of high school because he was eager to start earning money. He started his career working two jobs, one of them included selling ribbon novelties, door-to-door. By night, he would play the piano for pay.
He later gave up his two jobs to sell paper cups. Kroc was a noted salesman and soon had 15 employees working underneath him. Eventually at age 35, Kroc left the paper cup business to go out on his own. He took a huge risk and borrowed profoundly to raise the money to start a company that sold milkshake mixers. Kroc’s next endeavor was exceedingly larger. On April 15, 1955, Kroc opened the first American McDonald’s in Illinois. According to the McDonald’s Corporation website (as of 2012), McDonald’s has, “More than 33,000 restaurants around the world in 118 countries.” Kroc saw an opportunity for success and did something about it. I think we can all take something from his accomplishments.
“You have to take risks, and in some cases you must go for broke.” — Ray Kroc