New York State Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo visited John’s Crazy Socks on Friday. The Assemblyman made the visit so he could understand more about what New York State can do to promote employment of people with differing abilities and to support small businesses like John’s Crazy Socks.
During the visit, John Cronin, the co-founder and inspiration for John’s Crazy Socks, gave the Assemblyman a tour of operations and the two met with staff. More than half of the employees at John’s Crazy Socks have a differing ability. Assemblyman Gandolfo saw first-hand the quality of the work employees with autism, Down syndrome and other disabilities perform.
I was so excited to show Assemblyman Gandolfo our business and to introduce him to my colleagues,” said John Cronin.
Sock Wrangler John Bleeker told the Assemblyman, “I love working here and love to work hard. We are spreading happiness.”
Trainee Chelsie Fonseca said, “Getting this job is so important to me. No one else would hire me and they are giving me a chance.”
Assemblyman Gandolfo then met with John Cronin and his father and co-founder Mark X. Cronin to discuss ways to support the employment of people with differing abilities, to support entrepreneurship and small businesses. John’s Crazy Socks, as a member of the CEO Commission on Disability Employment, advocate for the elimination of the sub-minimum wage, which allows employers to pay a person with a disability less than minimum wage.
Assemblyman Gandolfo said, “I am so impressed by the operations here and everything John’s Crazy Socks does. We are glad they are a New York company and want to encourage entrepreneurs like John and Mark Cronin.”
The Assemblyman added, “Many employers are having difficulty finding enough good workers. I join John and Mark in urging employers to hire people with differing abilities.
John Cronin said, “People with differing abilities are ready, willing and able to work. We do good work.”
Mark X. Cronin said, “We urge all people, but especially employers, do not be blinded by a person’s limitations, be awed by their possibilities. Hiring people with differing abilities is not altruism, it is good business.”
Assemblyman Gandolfo is already planning to bring John and Mark to Albany so they can work together to support people with differing abilities in the workplace and entrepreneurs.
John’s Crazy Socks has a mission to spread happiness. Part of that mission is showing the world what people with differing abilities can achieve. The company starts by hiring people with differing abilities, but they also do advocacy work, meeting with elected officials and policy makers to stand up for the rights of people with differing abilities.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission to spread happiness. They spread happiness by offering the socks you can love that let you express yourself, by giving back, by creating jobs for people with differing abilities and spreading happiness.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
