At John's Crazy Socks, we recently added 15 seasonal colleagues for the holiday rush and 12 of them have a differing ability. We always pause to hand deliver first paychecks to our colleagues and turn that into a Company celebration. It makes people so happy.
Why celebrate first paychecks? Many of our colleagues have never had a job before. Getting that first job is a big deal. The job recognizes their ability, rewards them for their work and gives them a greater sense of self. People are entitled to their benefits, but a job is different, earning your own money is different.
Listen to the joy from our colleagues. Matthew said, “This is my first job and my first paycheck. I love this job.”
Maggie who joined us as a Sock Wrangler said, “I feel good coming to work and seeing the other Sock Wranglers.”
Sophia, a new employee, cannot stop talking about how much the job means to her. “Getting my paycheck makes me so happy.”
John Cronin, co-founder and a young man who happens to have Down syndrome said, “Our customers make this possible. When they buy socks from John’s Crazy Socks, they make it possible for us to hire people with differing abilities.”
Be clear, we are a business. We do not give jobs to anyone; our colleagues earn their jobs. Employment and working in a unified workplace, that is true inclusion.
Mark X. Cronin, John’s co-founder and father, said, “We are so fortunate to add these new colleagues and to see the work they do. Our business succeeds because of the people we hire. Hiring people with differing abilities gives us a competitive advantage. When others cannot find enough good people and cannot retain them, we will fill all our open positions and have almost no turnover. We are so grateful.”
At John’s Crazy Socks, our customers are our true heroes. Our customers know, when they buy from us, they help us employee people with differing abilities, they help us give back and most of all, they help us spread happiness. Thank you.
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 of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $550,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are 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.
