John and Mark X. Cronin, the father-son team that founded John’s Crazy Socks, appeared on the Celebrations Chatter podcast with Jim McCann, the founder of 1-800 Flowers. The 35-minute conversation focused on hiring people with differing abilities and included plenty of banter between Jim, John and Mark.
“I loved talking with Jim McCann,” said John Cronin. “We spoke about what my colleagues with differing abilities can do and we had a lot of fun.”
Diana Martin, the Managing Director of Smile Farms joined the conversation. Smile Farms has been able to help many developmentally disabled adults find employment in the agricultural industry and beyond. Jim’s brother, Kevin McCann, who was born with developmental disabilities, inspired Jim and his family to start Smile Farms. Their profound commitment to the cause is inspiring.
“Jim McCann is a legend on Long Island and in the entrepreneurial community so it was a great honor to join the podcast with him,” said Mark X. Cronin. “He has great insights into both running a business and the benefit of hiring people with differing abilities.”
Listening to the Podcast
The Celebrations Chatter podcast can be heard on all the major podcast platforms. Click on your favorite platform to hear the conversation:
John’s Crazy Socks and 1-800-Flowers
John’s Crazy Socks is growing its line of socks called “J’s” and now selling those socks at the 1-800-Flowers site as well as the John’s Crazy Socks website. Mark said, “Many of our customers like to buy our socks as gifts and 1-800-Flowers is the world’s best gifting website so we are excited about the opportunity to offer our products on that site.”
The two companies held a photo shoot after the podcast recording to show off the products offered by John’s Crazy Socks.
John’s Crazy Socks and Smile Farms
Both Smile Farms and John’s Crazy Socks are committed to employing people with differing abilities and encouraging other companies to follow their lead. The two organizations are working together to share best practices and to explore ways in which they may collaborate on employment opportunities.
About Smile Farms
The mission of Smile Farms is to create meaningful work opportunities for people with disabilities in agriculture and hospitality. Their work generates purpose and pride, enhances life skills, and fosters socialization. Smile Farms was established with the help of 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. founder and Chairman Jim McCann, and CEO Chris McCann, who were inspired by their brother Kevin who is developmentally disabled. Now in its eighth year, Smile Farms has 11 campus locations in the New York tri-state area and serves over 280 Smile Farmers – with plans for expansion. You can learn more at their website.
John and Kevin McCann:
About 1-800-Flowers
Founded in 1976, 1-800-Flowers.com Inc. is a leading provider of gifts designed to help people express connect and celebrate. The company offers differentiated products and unique services across its family of eighteen brands our business platform is built for growth. You can learn more at their website.
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.
