Ray Kroc

Raymond Albert “Ray” Kroc was born and grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. During WWI, Kroc lied about his age, becoming an ambulance driver at age 15. Following the war, Kroc worked a number of jobs, eventually becoming a traveling milkshake machine salesman. In the early 1950s, Kroc approached the McDonald brothers, who had purchased some of his milkshake machines, and proposed that he start franchising their restaurant. In 1961, Kroc purchased the company for $2.7 million and started opening McDonald’s across the country, ultimately turning it into the world’s most successful fast food restaurant. Kroc also owned the San Diego Padres from 1974 until his death of a stroke in 1984.