"The Founder" is a compelling film that portrays the fascinating story of how Ray Kroc built the McDonald's fast-food empire.
Based on true events, the movie provides valuable insights into the world of business and entrepreneurship.
I've seen it a couple of times, but once again it was on tv last night, and now I can't just stopped watching!
Of course Michael Keaton's huge performance is one of the reasons (is the Batman back!?..) but also of the mentality and desire to win big, that Ray Kroc story brings to the table.
Eventually I picked up my laptop, and started to take notes about the awesome lessons the movie provides.
So why not share those with you? So here we go! From strategic thinking to perseverance, here are ten business and inspiring lessons we can learn from "The Founder."
12 Business and Inspiring Lessons from the Movie "The Founder"
1. Vision and Persistence:
Ray Kroc's unwavering vision and persistence serve as powerful lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Despite initial setbacks and rejections, from the McDonald brothers and his first business partners for a franchise, he remained determined to turn the McDonald's concept into a global phenomenon.
This lesson teaches us the importance of having a clear vision and the tenacity to pursue it relentlessly.
2. Innovation and Adaptability:
"The Founder" showcases the power of innovation and adaptability in business.
Ray Kroc recognized the revolutionary potential of the fast-food model developed by the McDonald brothers and transformed it into a streamlined system.
The movie highlights the need for businesses to constantly evolve, adapt to changing market demands, and innovate to stay ahead of the competition.
3. Customer-Centric Approach:
The film emphasizes the significance of a customer-centric approach.
Ray Kroc understood the importance of providing customers with consistent quality, speed, and affordability, unlike the road restaurants he frequented when trying to sell milkshake machines.
By prioritizing customer satisfaction, he built a loyal customer base and created a brand that resonated with millions worldwide.
This lesson underscores the value of understanding and meeting the needs of your target audience.
4. Strategic Partnerships:
"The Founder" also demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in business growth.
Ray Kroc formed a strategic alliance with the McDonald brothers to expand their restaurant concept.
Through collaboration, they leveraged each other's strengths, allowing them to scale their business rapidly.
Because you don't have to know, or do it all, you just have to find someone who does and partner with them.
This lesson highlights the benefits of seeking partnerships that complement your expertise and can help propel your business forward.
5. Attention to Detail:
The movie emphasizes the importance of the meticulous attention to detail entrepreneurs must have!
Ray Kroc recognized that consistency and efficiency were crucial to the success of the McDonald's brand.
From the precise assembly of burgers to the layout of the restaurants, every detail was carefully considered.
This lesson reminds us of the significance of paying attention to even the smallest aspects of our business operations.
6.Brand Building and Marketing:
The importance of effective brand building and marketing strategies, that still inspires people today!
Ray Kroc understood the power of creating a strong brand identity and developing marketing campaigns that resonated with customers.
The film highlights the role of branding in building trust, establishing a competitive edge, and driving business growth.
7. Persistence in the Face of Rejection:
The movie showcases the resilience and persistence required to overcome rejection.
Ray Kroc faced numerous rejections before finally finding success with the McDonald's concept.
All those rejections and failures, made him stronger, and once he discovered the McDonald's system, he immediately saw the potential of the business and just went for it relentlessly,
His refusal to accept defeat serve as a reminder to persevere even when faced with setbacks and learn the lessons life is giving you.
8. Ethical Considerations:
Of course, this is the controversial part, the movie raises the ethical considerations in the business world.
The movie explores the tensions that arose between Ray Kroc and the McDonald brothers, highlighting the importance of conducting business with integrity and fairness.
I didn't like how it ended for the brothers, specially because of that 1% of royalties negotiated as an handshake. Ray Kroc was already making huge amounts of money, no need to be that shady. I wouldn't do it like that... but hey!
Business is business, all of us need to stay sharp when conducting a negotiation.
This lesson reminds us of the need to make ethical decisions and treat business partners and competitors with respect.
9. Continuous Learning and Improvement:
This is one of the reasons why the McDonald brother couldn't keep up with Ray, because they weren't open to change and improve.
Continuous learning and improvement are core values for any business.
Ray Kroc constantly sought ways to enhance the McDonald's system, incorporating feedback and implementing changes to drive operational efficiency.
This lesson teaches us to embrace a growth mindset, seek knowledge, and continuously refine our business practices.
10. Legacy and Long-Term Thinking:
The film prompts reflection on the legacy we leave behind.
Ray Kroc's dedication to building a lasting empire demonstrates the power of long-term thinking.
He envisioned McDonald's as more than just a fast-food chain, envisioning it as a cultural institution, just like a church or a courthouse.
This lesson encourages entrepreneurs to think beyond immediate gains and consider the impact they can make in the long run.
11. Are You in the Right Business?
"You're not in the burger business. You're in the real estate business."
This one of the most impactful lessons, that really made a difference in Ray Kroc's efforts to be successful.
Sonneborn's statement emphasizes the significance of real estate and location in the fast-food industry. He understood that owning the land on which McDonald's restaurants stood was a crucial factor in the company's profitability.
By shifting the focus from burgers to real estate, Sonneborn revolutionized the business model and transformed McDonald's into a real estate empire.
The lesson here is to understand your business from a strategic perspetive and to diversify your revenues streams.
12. Supportive Relationships are a Must, if not...
The lack of support from Ray Kroc's wife, Ethel, highlights the importance of having a supportive network in entrepreneurship.
Despite Ethel's skepticism and resistance to his ambitious business ventures, Ray remained determined and resilient in pursuing his vision.
This lesson emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with individuals who believe in and encourage our dreams, while also underlining the need for open communication and understanding within relationships.
It serves as a reminder that, although support from loved ones is crucial, relentless determination and self-belief are essential qualities for entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and achieve success.
Eventullay, Ray found in Joan a woman who believe in him and had also an entreperneur mindset.
Most Inspiring Quotes From "The Founder" Movie:
1. "I know what you're thinkin'. How the heck does a 52-year-old, over-the-hill milkshake machine salesman build a fast-food empire with 1,600 restaurants and an annual revenue of $700 million? One word: persistence." - Ray Kroc
2. "Nothing in this world can take the place of good old persistence. Talent won't. Genius won't. Education won't." - Ray Kroc
3. "When we were growing up, all we ever wanted was a big name burger. Something the little guy could grab with both hands and say, 'Now that's a hamburger!'" - Ray Kroc
4. "Contracts are like hearts, they're made to be broken." - Ray Kroc
5. "I've never seen such a clean operation. I mean, from the hamburgers to the milkshakes, to the paper hats. It's first class." - Ray Kroc
6. "You're not in the burger business. You're in the real estate business." - Harry Sonneborn
7. "The McDonald's Corporation can own the land, the buildings, everything, and you guys will just run it. Franchise it." - Harry Sonneborn
8. "Contracts are like hearts, they're made to be broken." - Ray Kroc
9. "I don't care about the money. I want to be a part of something that's never been done before." - Ray Kroc
10. "If my competitor were drowning, I'd walk over and put a hose right in his mouth." - Ray Kroc
These quotes capture the essence of the movie and the key insights from the characters, including Ray Kroc and Harry Sonneborn.
Conclusion:
"The Founder" offers a wealth of valuable business and inspiring lessons for entrepreneurs and individuals alike.
From persistence and innovation to customer-centricity and strategic partnerships, the film provides insights into the factors that contribute to business success.
By embracing these lessons, we can apply them to our own ventures and journeys, striving to create impactful and sustainable enterprises.
Share this article with your friends and social connections, inspire them also to...
Be GREAT!
Follow us!