Search Results - Kroc, Ray

Ray Kroc

Raymond Albert Kroc (October 5, 1902 – January 14, 1984) was an American businessman, widely, but erroneously regarded as the founder of McDonald's. Despite not having founded the company, he was instrumental in turning the then-singular hamburger stand into the most successful global fast food corporation by revenue. He purchased McDonald's from the McDonald Brothers in 1961, after several years as their franchising agent, and served as its CEO from 1967 to 1973.

Kroc was born in Oak Park, Illinois, and worked a variety of jobs, including as a paper cup salesman and a musician, before eventually becoming a milkshake mixer salesman. In 1954, he visited a hamburger restaurant in San Bernardino, California, owned by Richard and Maurice McDonald. Kroc was impressed with the efficiency and speed of the restaurant's operations, and he convinced the brothers to allow him to franchise the concept.

Under Kroc's leadership, McDonald's grew rapidly due to Kroc's focus on aggressive expansion, opening new restaurants across the United States and eventually internationally. Kroc became the owner of McDonald's Corporation in 1961 and is credited as its founder. After retiring from McDonald's, he owned the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball from 1974 until his death in 1984. Provided by Wikipedia