Have you watched The Founder yet? If you are a business owner or considering setting up a business then this is such a great film to watch and is full of golden nuggets. I had to keep stopping the film to jot down ideas for this blog. The film tells the story of Ray Kroc, the man who turned McDonald’s from a small burger joint into a global empire. Even if you are just fascinated by what makes an empire tick, there’s plenty to take away (see what I did there?).
Here are my top takeaways from The Founder that every entrepreneur should know.
Lesson 1. Persistence Beats Talent
Ray Kroc wasn’t the most talented businessman. He wasn’t the most innovative. But what he lacked in skill, he made up for with pure persistence. His mantra? “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.” He knocked on doors, took rejection after rejection, and just kept going. Those milkshake machines never sold; the pitch that he said over and over again with very little results. His resistance to rejection and the way he just kept going was commendable.
Lesson: If you’re running a business, persistence is your best friend. There will be setbacks, but the ones who keep pushing through are the ones who win. How persistent are you?
Lesson 2. Systems Create Success
The McDonald brothers didn’t just cook burgers, they engineered a system. There is a part in the film where they drew chalk drawings on the floor of different set ups of the inside of a MacDonalds kitchen. It took many attempts, but when their practice runs worked like clockwork, it was time to build the right thing. Their “Speedee Service System” revolutionised fast food, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and speed. Pure genuis!
Lesson: Whether you’re selling coaching services, handmade crafts, or online courses, having a rock-solid system in place will keep your business running smoothly. I love a good system. I firmly believe that a company can not function without good systems. From taking orders, onboarding customers, accounts, sales pipelines, marketing etc. If you are constantly fire fighting then there is something wrong with your systems.
Lesson 3. Think Bigger, Act Bigger
The McDonald brothers had a great business, but they were thinking small. One or two locations, perfect quality, no rush. Kroc saw the bigger picture. He envisioned a nationwide chain, consistency on a grand scale, and a brand that would define an industry.
Lesson: You might be happy with where your business is now, but always ask, what’s the next step? Are you thinking big enough?
Lesson 4. Your Business Model Matters More Than Your Product
One of the biggest twists in the film? Kroc didn’t make his fortune from selling burgers. He made it from real estate. By buying the land under every McDonald’s franchise, he controlled the business in a way the McDonald brothers never could. Actually, it wasn’t even Kroc who realised this, it was a random finance guy who just happened to overhear Kroc talk about his money worries. Some may say that this was more luck than judgement, but he could have easily turned him away. Instead, he showed this random stranger his accounts (which was a leap of faith) and this led him down the right path.
But also, the McDonald Brothers cut out everything that wasn’t working. They got rid of the car service, other products and focused on speed and just basic hamburgers, milkshakes etc.
Lesson: Selling a product or service is great, but the real magic is how you structure your business. Where’s the real revenue stream? Are you making money the smart way or just the hard way?
Lesson 5. Contracts Can Be Broken (So Protect Yourself!)
Blimey…. I’ve learned this lesson myself, the hard way!
One of the saddest parts of the film is how the McDonald brothers lost control of their own name. They trusted a handshake deal, and in the end, they got muscled out. No royalties, no legacy, just a lesson in the power of contracts.
Lesson: Always, always get agreements in writing even if you trust the person 100%. Protect your intellectual property. Business can be brutal, and trusting people isn’t a strategy; it’s a risk. (Take it from one that knows)
Lesson 6. Brand is Everything
McDonald’s wasn’t just about burgers. It was about the golden arches, the uniform experience, the “family-friendly” atmosphere. Kroc didn’t just sell food, he sold a feeling, an idea, a lifestyle. This is all about the brand.
Lesson: Your brand is more than your product. It’s the promise you make to customers. Nail that, and your business will stand out in any market.
Lesson 7. Not All Success is Created Equal
Let’s be honest, Ray Kroc wasn’t exactly a saint. He was ruthless and aggressive and didn’t mind stepping over people to get what he wanted. Yes, he built an empire, but at what cost?
Lesson: Success isn’t just about money or growth. It’s about how you get there. Stay ethical, build with integrity, and remember, if you have to betray people to win, is it really a win?
Final Thoughts: Build Smart, Build Right
Watching The Founder is like watching a masterclass in business with a side of “what-not-to-do.” There’s inspiration but also caution. The key takeaway? Success isn’t just about a good idea, it’s about execution, persistence, and strategy. But just as important? It’s about playing fair and protecting what’s yours.
What did you think of The Founder? Did you find Ray Kroc inspiring or just plain ruthless?
