Sometimes the most powerful presentations start with the most challenging questions. 

Last Friday, John and I had the opportunity to deliver the keynote address at the Western Partnership Conference on Human Services  in Boise, Idaho. Standing before 500 dedicated professionals at the JUMP Center, executives, leaders, managers, administrators, and direct service providers from social service agencies across Idaho, Utah, and Oregon, we shared a story that began with doubt and transformed into possibility. 

The Question That Changes Everything 

We opened our 45-minute presentation with a powerful contrast. Picture this: a baby born with Down syndrome, facing multiple medical and developmental challenges. The question everyone whispered was, "What could become of this baby?" 

The answer? He could grow up to change the world. 

That baby was John, who today has built the world's largest sock company run by people with differing abilities, spoken at the  United Nations,  testified twice before  Congress,  and been named  EY Entrepreneur of the Year.  But more than accolades, John represents something profound: the unlimited possibilities that exist in each of us and everyone we meet. 

This became our central theme, and you could feel it resonate throughout the packed auditorium. 

The Origin Story That Captivates Audiences 

What followed was the story our audiences never tire of hearing:how  John's Crazy Socks came to be. In John's final year of high school, we faced a harsh reality: there simply weren't many options for someone with Down syndrome. But John has always been a natural entrepreneur. His solution was simple: "If I can't find a job, I'll create one. I want to go into business with you, Dad. Let's sell socks." 

We launched in December 2016 as a test. The test worked spectacularly. Today, John's Crazy Socks offers over 4,000 different socks, has shipped 500,000 packages to 94 countries, created 34 jobs (22 held by people with different abilities), and donated more than  $800,000 to charity partners  like  Special Olympics and the  National Down Syndrome Society. 

The audience was completely engaged, laughing with us, nodding along, hanging on every word. There's something magical about sharing this journey together, with all its moments of triumph, humor, and genuine emotion. 

Beyond the Story: Building Culture and Purpose 

But we didn't stop at inspiration. These human services professionals needed practical insights they could implement. We shifted into the heart of organizational transformation: developing culture. 

We talked about the critical importance of understanding your "why,” not just what you do, but why you do it. I shared one of my favorite principles with the audience: "Your values don't count until you're willing to spend money on them or let them cost you revenue." Real values require real commitment. 

We explained our mission at John's Crazy Socks—to spread happiness—and demonstrated how this single, clear purpose infuses every aspect of our business. From our hiring practices to our customer service to our product selection, everything flows from this central mission. 

Then we shared our five pillars that structure and shape every business decision we make: 

This framework gave the audience concrete tools to evaluate and strengthen their own organizational cultures. 

The Business Case for Inclusion 

Perhaps most importantly for this audience of human services leaders, we presented the compelling business case for creating unified workplaces that employ neurodiverse individuals. The benefits aren't just feel-good stories—they're measurable business outcomes: 

We shared the powerful story of Thomas, a young man with autism who first came to us in October 2017. At that time, Thomas was deeply depressed: he wouldn't come out of his room, his parents struggled just to get him to shower and shave, he refused to join any programs, and  hadn't spoken to his father in over six months. 

Today? Thomas is one of our stellar Sock Wranglers in our pick-and-pack warehouse. On workdays, he's showered and shaved first thing in the morning, waiting for his father to drive him to work. This young man who once wouldn't look at anyone now goes around our entire building wishing everyone a good morning. 

When you witness transformations like Thomas's, how employment changes not just someone's economic situation, but their confidence, independence, and sense of purpose, you understand that inclusion isn't charity. It's smart business with profound human impact. 

A Message for the Heroes 

We closed by acknowledging something crucial: the incredible importance of the work these 500 professionals do every single day. In a world that often overlooks or undervalues human services, we wanted every person in that room to know they are needed, their clients matter, and they are making a tangible difference in lives and communities. 

John delivered our final message with his characteristic passion: "Follow your heart, follow your dreams, work hard, show what you can do." 

The standing ovation that followed wasn't just appreciation for our presentation; it was the energy of people recommitted to their mission and equipped with new tools for success. 

The Conversation Continues 

The formal presentation was just the beginning. During our 15-minute Q&A, the audience engagement was remarkable: lively, thoughtful questions that sparked meaningful dialogue. But what happened next really showed the impact: people lined up for nearly 45 minutes to take photos with John, while I spent time meeting with individuals, sharing experiences, and setting up future conversations for potential collaborations. 

The Western Partnerships Conference on Human Services offers high-quality training in disability and mental health for a diverse audience, including human service professionals,educators, counselors, parents, self-advocates, and community members who support individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness. Being chosen as keynote speakers for such a respected conference,one dedicated to "introducing new ideas, insights, and strategies aimed at inspiring and challenging attendees", was both an honor and a perfect fit for our message. 

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