At John’s Crazy Socks, inclusion is more than a commitment—it’s a strategy for success. Co-founder Mark X. Cronin puts it plainly: “Hiring people with differing abilities is not altruism; it is good business.” When we focus on what people can do, rather than their perceived limitations, we unlock an incredible wealth of talent, creativity, and dedication.
Here are five compelling reasons why hiring people with differing abilities makes great business sense.
1. Boosts Morale
An inclusive workplace fosters purpose and camaraderie. Seeing diverse teams succeed inspires everyone to give their best. John Cronin, our Co-founder and Chief Happiness Officer, captures this beautifully: “I love working with my colleagues. They work so hard and do such a good job. We’re showing the world what we can do!” When employees feel part of a mission that matters, their energy is contagious.
2. Increases Productivity
Employees with differing abilities are among the most dedicated and focused workers. At John’s Crazy Socks, our Sock Wranglers (the team members who pick and pack orders) achieve an error rate of less than 0.2%. This exceptional precision allows us to ship orders the same day they’re received—a feat even Amazon doesn’t always match.
Mark adds, “We achieve success because of the people we hire.”
3. Improves Retention
High turnover is costly for any business. However, our inclusive environment creates a culture of loyalty. Employees with differing abilities appreciate the opportunity to contribute and thrive, often staying with us for years. And that hiring has an impact on all employees.
Consider this example from EY. As a company, they have a 20 percent annual turnover rate which creates significant costs and a drag on their profits and growth. The EY Office in Dublin, Ireland set up a training program with Trinity College for people with autism. When the EY Office hired graduates from that program, they immediately improved their retention rate. Think of the millions that approach could save system wide.
4. Enhances Recruitment
While many businesses struggle to fill roles, we have an abundance of eager, qualified candidates. By tapping into an often-overlooked talent pool, we gain a competitive edge. “We don’t give out jobs; every team member earns their place,” says Mark. This approach ensures that every hire adds value and strengthens our operations.
In their ninth year of business, John’s Crazy Socks has drawn form three labor pools to fill their warehouse jobs: people with differing abilities, moms (there are some dads in there too) and general warehouse workers who want a starting salary of $16.50 and a place where they are treated well. By far, the best labor pool has been the people with differing abilities.
As Mark notes, “People with differing abilities want to be here. They are reliable, enthusiastic, and care deeply about the quality of their work. They don’t want to leave.”
5. Aligns with Consumer and Community Values
Consumers increasingly want to support businesses that reflect their values. Before they give a business their hard-earned money, theyare asking: who are you, what are you doing with my money? How do you treat your employees? How do youimpact the community?
Hiring inclusively answers many of these questions. It resonates with our customers and partners. Every sockpurchased helps create jobs for people with differing abilities, and our customers love knowingthey’re part of something meaningful.
“Thank you for buying our socks and helping us create jobs for my friends,” says John with his trademark enthusiasm.
Inclusion: A Smart Business Move
At John’s Crazy Socks,we’re not just spreading happiness—we’re building a model for others to follow. By embracing inclusion,we’ve created a thriving business while challengingmisconceptions about what people with differing abilities can achieve. Mark puts it best: “Never be blinded by a person’s limitations; be awed by their possibilities.”
Let’s work together to make inclusion the standard, not the exception. If your business is ready to take this step, reach out to us for guidance. Together, we can create opportunities, foster innovation, and spread happiness.
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 the mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000varieties ofsocks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half of their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $800,000 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 ourwebpage,Facebook page,Instagram account,TikTok orYouTube channel.You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
