Ray Kroc

McDonald's franchise builder

Modern influential 92 sayings

Sayings by Ray Kroc

I never dreamed of being an entrepreneur. I just wanted to be a good salesman.

1970s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

We are not in the hamburger business. We are in the entertainment business.

1970s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not a gambler. I'm a businessman.

1970s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

The definition of salesmanship is the gentle art of letting the customer have it your way.

1977 — Autobiography, 'Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald's'
Humorous Unverifiable

If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?

1970s — Speech
Humorous Unverifiable

You've got to be in the marketplace. You've got to be where the money is.

1970s — Interview
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I couldn't sleep. I was obsessed with the idea.

1954 — Referring to his initial encounter with McDonald's
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Creativity is a highfalutin' word for the work I have to do between now and Tuesday.

1970s — Interview
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I didn't do it for the money. I did it for the love of the game.

1974 — Referring to his purchase of the San Diego Padres
Humorous Unverifiable

My whole life, I've been a salesman. I'm still a salesman.

1970s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

If you believe in something, you've got to be in it for the long haul.

1970s — Speech
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I'm not a visionary. I'm a pragmatist.

1970s — Interview
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We don't need to be first. We just need to be best.

1970s — Speech
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The bigger you get, the more important it is to stay humble.

1970s — Interview
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I'm not interested in being a small potato.

1970s — Interview
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I'm not a fancy guy. I like my hamburgers plain.

1970s — Interview
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I always say, 'don't quit.'

1970s — Speech
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I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.

1977 — Autobiography, 'Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald's'
Humorous Unverifiable

The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward.

1970s — Interview
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I'm an old-fashioned guy. I believe in hard work.

1970s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable