At the 2025 HR Indiana Conference, nearly 1,000 HR leaders rose to their feet in a standing ovation for John Cronin and his father, Mark X. Cronin, co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks. Their keynote was more than a speech—it was a call to action.
John, a young man with Down syndrome, stood as living proof of what people with differing abilities can achieve. His humor, charm, and entrepreneurial spirit lit up the stage, reminding attendees that talent comes in many forms. Mark provided context and insight, showing how their business, built on a mission of Spreading Happiness, has thrived by embracing inclusion and purpose.
A Story That Resonated
The Cronins shared how they built John’s Crazy Socks into the world’s largest sock store and a globally recognized social enterprise. Their five pillars (Inspiration and Hope, Giving Back, Fun Products, Making It Personal, and Creating a Great Place to Work) shape every decision.
They described how more than half of their employees have a differing ability and how this has never been an act of charity. Instead, inclusive hiring has given their business a competitive edge:
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Higher retention and morale
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Greater productivity and accuracy (99.8% order accuracy rate)
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A culture where employees take pride in their work
The keynote underscored that hiring people with differing abilities isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s smart business.
Making a Lasting Impact
After the keynote, John spent over an hour taking photos and greeting attendees, while Mark answered questions from parents, HR leaders, and entrepreneurs. Some wanted advice on supporting children with differing abilities. Others wanted guidance on inclusive hiring, building engaged workplaces, or creating organizations rooted in purpose.
The conversations revealed the impact of their message: attendees left inspired, motivated, and ready to act.
The Audience Response
Conference participants flooded social media with praise:
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“Simply amazing. I love these two.”
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“This was so inspiring! I love the phrase ‘different abilities’ vs. ‘disability.’”
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“Before today, I had never seen such a compelling case for hiring people with differing abilities. Thank you for opening my eyes.”
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“Best presentation I’ve ever attended in my HR career.”
One attendee summed it up best: “I wish everyone could hear more about this talent strategy—rooted in values and driven by creativity and love.”
Why HR Leaders Should Bring This Keynote to Their Organizations
For SHRM chapters and HR leaders, John and Mark’s presentation offers more than inspiration—it delivers practical strategies to:
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Harness untapped talent pools
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Build inclusive cultures that boost retention and engagement
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Show employees and customers that values drive results
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Transform workplaces into sources of purpose and pride
Their keynote leaves audiences not only applauding but also equipped with tools to build stronger, more inclusive organizations.
👉Book John and Mark Cronin for your next HR event and give your members a keynote that blends heart, humor, and proven business strategies.
📬 Contact:booking@jmspeak.com or visit johnandmarkcronin.com
