On 25-26 June 2019, John and Mark X. Cronin, co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks, participated in the International Entrepreneurial Summit organized by the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). EO, a global, peer-to-peer network of more than 14,000 influential business owners with 192 chapters in 59 countries, presented a two-day International Entrepreneurial Summit at the United Nations. The interactive Summit focused on supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)--17 goals and 169 targets to eradicate poverty, reverse inequality and halt climate change by 2030.

The Cronins were among more than 180 entrepreneurs and business leaders interacting in substantive panel discussions to formulate concrete actions that business leaders can implement to tackle issues surrounding the following four SDGs:

• SDG 4 ̶ Quality Education
• SDG 5 ̶ Gender Equality
• SDG 6 ̶ Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 8 ̶ Decent Work and Economic Growth

Mark and John focused on decent work and economic growth. Mark explained, “Part of the mission here at John’s Crazy Socks is to provide meaningful work for people with differing abilities. As a member of EO, it was an honor to work with entrepreneurs from around the world on issues so close to our heart.”

John Cronin, echoed his partner and father’s words. “I have Down syndrome and it was exciting for me to represent people with Down syndrome and all differing abilities at this conference. I was so excited to stand up at the United Nations and show what people with differing abilities can do if given a chance.”

By hosting the International Entrepreneurial Summit, EO aims to create momentum among leading entrepreneurs from around the world and incite connections with key stakeholders from the broader UN SDGs ecosystem—forming a network of connections that will empower business leaders to contribute in solving pressing global challenges.

John and Mark were active participants on the floor of the United Nations during the panel discussion and were among the signatories of the Outcomes Declaration, delineating 14 concrete actions that entrepreneurs can take to further the UN SDGs locally.

“As a signatory of the Outcomes Declaration, we know we need to start in our own business to see what we can do to promote sustainability. We will adopt these actions in John’s Crazy Socks and encourage other local businesses and organizations to do the same. Together, we can make the world a better place,” Mark Cronin said.

About the Entrepreneurs’ Organization

The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is a global, peer-to-peer network of more than 14,000 influential business owners with 192 chapters in 59 countries. Founded in 1987, EO is the catalyst that enables leading entrepreneurs to learn and grow, leading to greater success in business and beyond.

About John’s Crazy Socks 

John’s Crazy Socks is a father-son venture 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.” We're on a mission to spread happiness.  The company is built on four pillars: 

• Inspiration and Hope: We hire people with differing abilities, share videos to show what people can do, host school tours and school groups that come for work experience. We want the world to see what people with differing abilities can do.
• Giving Back: We donate 5 percent of our earnings to the Special Olympics and raise money through our Sock of the Month Club and charity and awareness socks for our charity partners like Autism Speaks, the Autism Society of America, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Williams Syndrome Association. We have raised more than $300,000 for our charity partners and publish a monthly Giving Back Report.
• Socks You Can Love: We have over 2,300 different socks plus a Sock of the Month Club, gift boxes and gift bags. And our selection is matched by our customer service: Most customers receive their socks within two days of ordering.
• Making It Personal: Every package gets a thank-you note from John and some candy.

For more information, 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.