John and Mark X. Cronin, the father-son team behind John’s Crazy Socks, were honored to speak at the Entrepreneurland Bootcamp, a five-day program created by entrepreneur and author Steve Distante. The event brought together young people, ages 15 to 20, for an immersive week of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. 

For John and Mark, the bootcamp was more than a speaking engagement. It was a chance to connect with future entrepreneurs and share lessons from their own journey building a social enterprise with a mission to Spread Happiness. And John, naturally, brought socks for everyone.  

Sharing the Power of a Mission-Driven Business 

In a lively conversation, John and Mark spoke about the importance of knowing your mission and values when starting a business. They explained how John’s Crazy Socks is built not only on selling socks but also on showing what people with differing abilities can achieve and giving back to the community. 

They described how staying true to their mission has guided every step of their growth, from creating jobs to donating over  $800,000 to charity partners. For the young audience, it was a reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about making money; it is about creating impact and building a community around your work. 

Building Community and Engaging Dialogue 

The session was not a one-way lecture. John and Mark engaged in a spirited dialogue with the bootcamp participants, answering questions and encouraging them to think big. The response was enthusiastic, with students eager to learn from their story and to see how a business can blend purpose and profit. It was inspiring to hear the passion from the attendees.  

A Program to Spark Future Entrepreneurs 

The Entrepreneurland Bootcamp gave participants a week packed with challenges and experiences—from discovering their personal strengths to pitching new ideas and practicing real-world business skills. Each day focused on themes like innovation, marketing, storytelling, and leadership. The program ended with a showcase where participants presented their business ideas and celebrated their growth. 

For John and Mark, it was inspiring to see the energy and creativity of these future leaders. “We want young people to know that when you follow your mission and build with heart, you can change lives, including your own,” said Mark. 

Looking Ahead 

Speaking at the Entrepreneurland Bootcamp is part of John and Mark’s ongoing effort to connect with entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders. They believe that sharing stories and experiences is one of the best ways to encourage others to take their own steps toward building businesses that matter. 

As John often says, “The keys to happiness are gratitude and doing for others.” That spirit was alive and well at the bootcamp, where the next generation of entrepreneurs took important steps toward making their own impact on the world. 

A big thanks to Steve Distante for establishing and leading this program. Steve is a role model for entrepreneurs in the way he is always looking to make an impact and give to others.