The Burger King
A Whopper of a Story on Life and Leadership
Jim McLamore
Co-founder and first CEO of Burger King
A candid and conversational look back at the journey of how the fast food giant was born. Written before his death in 1996, McLamore’s account of Burger King offers an instructive and inspiring tale to young entrepreneurs. McLamore’s story from south Florida drive-ins to international corporation reveals the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and the roles family and loved ways play on the road to success. Going beyond the office hours, McLamore’s story expands on what it means to be an entrepreneur when you head home for the night. To McLamore, it comes down to what’s truly needed to live a full and good life―personal values, impacting the people around you, and juicy hamburgers.
“Burgers, fries and Cokes. Deceptively simple yet startlingly visionary, and to those who knew him, respected him, and learned from him, emblematic of Burger King Corporation’s co-founder Jim McLamore, changed the way America looked at burgers.
Many franchisees spoke of him as a quiet giant, a man who first, second and last, knew fast food and how to serve it. A man who never wavered from his vision, and always had time for the franchisees.”
Jim McLamore was the co-founder and first CEO of Burger King Corporation, creating one of the great fast service restaurant chains in the country, together with Dave Edgerton. After selling it to Pillsbury and remaining CEO for 5 years, he stepped down but watched over the company for the next twenty-five years. After retiring, he served on the board of several large corporations and dedicated his life to serving the South Florida community as Chairman of the University of Miami, he Chaired the United Way, was a member and Chairman of the Orange Bowl Committee, was an investor in the Miami Dolphins for several years including their 1972 Perfect Season, was an avid gardener and Chairman at Fairchild Tropical Gardens, and reinvested in the educational institutions that impacted him at Northfield Mount Hermon and Cornell University. He passed away August 8, 1996.
Endorsements
McLamore’s book chronicles successes and failures in AN intensely human way
“An inspiring account of one man’s struggle to overcome repeated failures and obstacles, the story attains a dimension that is rare among the countless business-oriented books abroad in contemporary literature.
It includes abundant examples of business strategy, achievements, disappointments and frustration.”
“The McLamore book, however, depicts a compassionate, caring side of American capitalism that so often is obscured or goes unreported as this passage demonstrates:
‘There are all too many greedy and dishonest business people who take advantage of situations that enable them to profit at the expense of the public...
‘Quite a few people simply don’t know how to deal with handling new-found wealth. When the accumulation of wealth becomes an obsession and a goal unto itself, it often causes personal misery and the loss of worthwhile values.’
From such observations, McLamore’s credo emerges: Try to “help enrich the lives of others instead of focusing on one’s self.”
Jim Russell, The Miami Herald, March 22, 1998
Jim McLamore’s The Burger King is a must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs, for those who have worked in the business, and for those looking for inspiration from one of America’s great innovators. I have reread The Burger King several times over the years and like to channel some ‘McLamore’ every time I speak to a large group of our amazing Burger King franchise owners. I am always inspired by this awesome tale of how Jim McLamore and his partner (Burger King co-founder Dave Edgerton) stumbled upon the idea to create America’s favorite burger – the now world-famous and iconic Whopper! A great read for business owners and those who want to be one.
Jose Cil, CEO, Restaurants Brands International (parent company of Burger King, Popeyes & Tim Hortons)
Sharing the story of an American dream that turned into a global, iconic brand, this book demonstrates the power of grit, and generosity to others, in creating long-term success.
Amanda Israel, Executive Director - Burger King McLamore Foundation
Through the lens of Burger King brand co-founder, Jim McLamore this story shares a fresh perspective on what it takes to build an iconic brand and the importance of caring for people and communities as a key part of business success.
Jim Myers, President, Burger King McLamore Foundation
The McLamore Family Foundation was created to continue the vision of James W. McLamore by promoting activities which were important to him including: Education, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Youth Activities and Cultural, Civic and Community Service Programs. Proceeds from this book will go to continue to support the activity that Jim loved in support of the MFF’s mission.
Thank you to the organizations that supportED and helped make this book possible.
