John and Mark X. Cronin, the father-son duo behind John’s Crazy Socks, captivated the audience at the 6th Annual LiFT Rise Awards Luncheon with their heartfelt and inspiring keynote speech. The event, hosted by LiFT, celebrates individuals and organizations making strides in empowering people with neurodiversity. This year, John and Mark were honored with the Courage Award for their remarkable achievements and advocacy.
A Story of Hope and Possibility
The Cronins took the audience on a journey, sharing how their shared dream grew into John’s Crazy Socks, the world’s largest sock store. Their story is one of perseverance, love, and a commitment to making the world a better place.
John, a 28-year-old entrepreneur with Down syndrome, serves as the company’s Chief Happiness Officer. Together, he and Mark emphasized their mission of Spreading Happiness™ and showed how hiring people with differing abilities is not just the right thing to do—it’s good business. More than half of their employees have a differing ability, a testament to their belief in the power of inclusion.
The room was filled with laughter, tears, and, by the end, a standing ovation. Audience members praised their speech as “the best talk” they had ever heard. A parent expressed how the Cronins gave her hope for her son’s future, and others were moved by their powerful storytelling and humor.
The Courage Award
The Courage Award, presented to individuals who embody perseverance and serve as role models, perfectly encapsulates the Cronins’ journey. Mark and John have inspired thousands through their Congressional testimonies and United Nations speeches. Through their advocacy and business practices, they continue to show what’s possible when opportunities are extended to everyone.
“This honor is deeply humbling,” Mark shared, while John added, “I loved meeting so many good people and showing them what we can do.”
LiFT: Empowering Neurodiverse Communities
LiFT’s mission to empower individuals with neurodiversity to learn, thrive, and succeed aligns seamlessly with the Cronins’ vision. By providing education, career training, and opportunities to celebrate differences, LiFT is building a world where neurodiverse individuals can reach their full potential. This year’s luncheon raised over $130,000 to support LiFT’s exceptional learners.
Bringing Their Message to Your Event
John and Mark are no strangers to the stage. Their keynote speeches, full of humor and inspiration, have touched audiences at major organizations like Microsoft, EY, and the Special Olympics. Their story highlights the power of inclusion and what can be achieved when barriers are removed.
If you’d like John and Mark to inspire your team or audience, they are available for speaking engagements. Learn more on the John’s Crazy Socks website or contact Maria Lerner at MLerner@johnscrazysocks.com.
About John’s Crazy Socks
Founded in 2016, John’s Crazy Socks is a social enterprise driven by a mission to Spread Happiness™. Inspired by John Cronin’s love of colorful socks, the company offers over 4,000 designs and employs a workforce where more than half have differing abilities. Their Giving Back Program has raised over $800,000 for charitable organizations, further amplifying their positive impact.
Through their business and advocacy, the Cronins are proving that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Visit JohnsCrazySocks.com to shop their incredible selection or learn more about their inspiring work.
