"I was still a student at Huntington High School when I started John's Crazy Socks. I understand how these students are both excited and scared. I want to give back and help them." — John Cronin

John's Crazy Socks began with a Huntington High School student who had a big idea. This fall, that student came back to sit on the other side of the table.

John Cronin and his father and business partner, Mark X. Cronin, served as guest judges for the first pitch day in Huntington High's new AP Business course. Students pitched their own business ideas, and John and Mark brought what they have learned from building John's Crazy Socks.

Three Minutes to Make Your Case

AP Business is new at Huntington High this year. Mr. Bryan Outsen, who teaches the Entrepreneurship course, wanted students to pitch to people who run real businesses.  And he has his students ready for the experience.

The format was tight. Each student stood up in the HHS Library and got three minutes to present an idea. Then the judges had one minute to ask questions before the next student took the floor.

The rules asked every student to start in the same place: name a real problem, then show how your business solves it. Judges scored the pitches on delivery, visuals, market knowledge, and mission. The final two questions on the scorecard were the ones every founder faces: would you invest in this, and would you buy it?

Sneakers, Tents, and Food Waste

The range of ideas was a delight. One student wants to cut down on food waste. Another designed a tent for hikers heading into the backcountry. There was a gadget to dry out soaked, sweaty sneakers and a water bottle that cleans itself. One student pitched a training program and facility built for high school athletes.

Every one of these ideas came from something the student had noticed in daily life. That is a good instinct. The pitches were well researched and clearly organized, and the students handled questions with confidence. Mr. Outsen was in their corner the whole way.

What John's Crazy Socks Taught Us About a Good Pitch

Listening to the students took us back to our own beginning. John's Crazy Socks also started by answering a problem. John was finishing high school and could not find the kind of work he wanted, so he decided to create it.

The idea was simple: sell fun, colorful socks, and do it in a way that spreads happiness. That mission shaped the business from the first order. So, it was good to see "Ethics and Mission Alignment" on the judges' scorecard. A clear mission helps you make hard decisions and gives people a reason to care about what you sell.

We also liked the scorecard's last question: would you buy the product? A great idea still has to delight a customer. That test has guided John's Crazy Socks every day since we packed our first box.

Giving Back Is Part of Spreading Happiness

For John's Crazy Socks, spreading happiness has never been only about socks. It also means showing up for the people around us, and Huntington has been there for us since the start.

"It is important that we engage in the community. The more we can do for others, the better off we are. We love working with students through our work group program, our internships, and speaking engagements." — Mark X. Cronin

Students work alongside our team in work groups. Interns learn how a real online and retail business runs. John and Mark visit classrooms and campuses to tell the story of how a high school student's idea became a business. Pitch day fit right into that work.

Today that same Huntington spirit carries into Wahooo Market by John, which grew out of John's Crazy Socks. You can find both online and at our store on Main Street.

To the Next Founders from Huntington High

Our thanks go to Mr. Outsen for bringing us in, and to every student who pitched. Standing up with a brand-new idea takes nerve, and each of you did it.

John left the students with the words he shares everywhere he goes: follow your heart, follow your dreams, work hard, and show what you can do.

A John's Crazy Socks story started in those hallways. We hope a few more are starting there now.

Have a student or school group that would like to learn how John's Crazy Socks got started? Tell us in the comments. We love hearing from our neighbors.