Businessman Ray Kroc was traveling around the United States selling milk shake mixers when he became inspired by a restaurant that was using many of his machines. He took interest in the restaurant's efficiency and made an offer to the owners of “The Big M," Dick and Mac McDonald. The brothers initially turned down the offer, but eventually agreed to sell the business for $2.7 million. Kroc's new company was named “McDonald's,” after the McDonald brothers, and he opened his first store in Des Plaines, Illinois in 1955. Kroc proceeded to open stores throughout the country with a mission to ensure uniformity and value throughout the stores. He was eventually dubbed the Hamburger King and was ultimately included in the TIME Top 100 list of the most influential builders and titans of industry.