Ray Kroc created the now-famous McDonald's when he was 52.

In 1954, Ray Kroc ate at a restaurant run by two brothers, Dick and Mac McDonald. Kroc was impressed with their food and operation, so the following year, when he was 52, he turned their business into a franchise and created the McDonald's System, Inc. Overnight, the food became a success, selling the 100 millionth McDonald's burger just three years later.

Today, McDonald's makes $21 billion in sales and is considered one of the most recognizable brands in the world.