John Cronin and his father, Mark X. Cronin, co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks, are thrilled to return to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Adult Summit, held this year on the west coast in Costa Mesa, California. As passionate advocates for inclusion and self-advocacy, John and Mark are not only attending but also delivering two talks designed to inspire and empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
The NDSS Adult Summit is an annual event that unites people with Down syndrome, their families, and supporters for three days of connection, learning, and growth. Held from November 14 to 16 at the Westin South Coast Plaza, this year’s summit will feature diverse sessions that cover topics important to adulthood and aging for people with Down syndrome. Through guided support, experiential learning, and multiple breakout tracks, the summit provides a rich environment for education and empowerment.
For John, who has Down syndrome, and his father, Mark, this event is an opportunity to connect with like-minded advocates, share their knowledge, and encourage others to embrace their dreams and capabilities. In John’s words, “I love coming to the Adult Summit. I get to meet so many people and learn a lot! Plus, it’s a chance to share what we’ve learned with others, and that’s my favorite part.”
Inspiring Talks from John and Mark X. Cronin
John and Mark will present two talks during the summit, bringing their unique experiences as entrepreneurs, advocates, and champions of self-advocacy.
- Building a Brand on Social Media: For Your Self-Advocate, Your Business, and Yourself
In this session, John and Mark will unpack their journey in building John’s Crazy Socks into the world’s largest sock store by harnessing the power of social media. This talk focuses on helping individuals and families understand how to create a brand—whether for business or self-advocacy purposes. Attendees will learn about defining their personal brand, identifying the right audience, and selecting the best social media platforms to reach their goals. With practical tools and easy-to-implement strategies, John and Mark’s insights can empower attendees to make an impact on social media without feeling overwhelmed.
- So, You Want to Find a Job
In their second talk, John and Mark dive into the job search process, offering tips and strategies for self-advocates ready to join the workforce. This session covers everything from identifying jobs that align with one’s skills and passions to preparing for interviews and applying successfully. With John’s lived experience and Mark’s perspective as an employer, this talk provides practical guidance for attendees seeking employment opportunities that bring both joy and fulfillment.
John and Mark: Advocates and Keynote Speakers
John and Mark are no strangers to the stage. Together, they’ve spoken at prominent events for major organizations like Microsoft, Bank of America, the United Nations, and of course, the National Down Syndrome Society. Through storytelling, humor, and a touch of John’s famous charisma, they inspire audiences worldwide to believe in the potential within each of us and to see that inclusion is not just the right thing to do—it’s also good for business.
“People with differing abilities have so much to offer,” says Mark. “When we focus on what they can do, amazing things happen.”
With over 4,000 unique socks, a Giving Back program that has donated more than $800,000 to charities, and a commitment to employing people with differing abilities, John’s Crazy Socks is the embodiment of the power of inclusion and purposeful business.
Join Us in Spreading Happiness
For John’s Crazy Socks, supporting the NDSS Adult Summit is more than an event sponsorship—it’s a mission to spread happiness, one connection at a time. When you support John’s Crazy Socks by purchasing a pair, you’re helping us fund programs like these and provide opportunities for people with differing abilities to shine. If you’d like to learn more about John, Mark, and the entire team’s mission to spread happiness, we invite you to visit us at John's Crazy Socks.
Let’s spread happiness together. Join us in celebrating the achievements of people with Down syndrome and showing the world what’s possible!
If you would like John and Mark to speak at your event, please visit the speaker’s pages at our website or contact Maria Lerner at MLerner@johnscrazysocks.com.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account, TikTok or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
