John and Mark X. Cronin, co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks, spoke as part of a panel discussion entitled Diversability Unplugged: Down Syndrome Trailblazers. Organized by Diversability®, the event sought to “challenge the stigmas surrounding Down syndrome through a panel discussion with trailblazing up-and-comers actively breaking preconceived notions through action.”
John Cronin said, “I have Down syndrome, but I want the world to know that Down syndrome never holds me back.”
The other speakers on the panel included:
- Rosanne Stuart, manager of Madeline Stuart, the first professional model with Down syndrome with over 850,000 social media fans.
- Katie Driscoll from Changing the Face of Beauty, a 501c3 committed to equal representation of people with disabilities in advertising.
- Bryan Russell, the first person with Down syndrome to run for public office featured in documentary “Candidato 34.”
Mark X. Cronin said, we were honored to be with this group and to share how John and our business show what all people with differing abilities can achieve when given an opportunity. When people listen to John and see the success he has with his business, it changes peoples’ perceptions and opens new opportunities for people with Down syndrome and differing abilities.”
The event was organized by Diversability®, an award-winning community business that elevates disability pride through disability community, visibility, and engaged allyship. They strive to break the cycle of social isolation and exclusion for disabled people, improving their overall well-being.
Diversability® is such an important organization,” said John Cronin, “because they are changing the way people view disabilities.”
Keynote and Event Speakers
John and Mark X. Cronin are frequent speakers at conferences and corporate events. They share their entrepreneurial story of how a young man with Down syndrome together with his father created what is today the world’s largest sock store with a mission to spread happiness. Their speaking engagements bring laughter, tears and inspire people to see what is possible for each of us to achieve. They have spoken in person at events across Canada, the United States and Mexico and virtually at events around the world. They have spoken at events for Microsoft, EY, Bank of America, the Special Olympics and the National Down Syndrome Society among others.
Their advocacy work has seen the Cronins testify twice before Congress and speak at the United Nations. Their work has been featured on many national news shows. They are winners of many awards including the EY Entrepreneurs of the Year. They serve on the CEO Commission for Disability Employment and the Neurodiversity at Work Business Roundtable.
John and Mark recently recorded their second TEDx Talk entitled, “Hiring People with People with Differing Abilities is Not Altruism, It Is Good Business.” That Talk is available on YouTube and the TED platform. Their first TEDx Talk entitled Differently Abled People Want to Help Us is also available on YouTube and the TED platform.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was 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.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $500,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, 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.