John Cronin and Mark X. Cronin, co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks, recently addressed students in the entrepreneurship program at Long Island University. The presentation focused on the practical challenges of building a business and emphasized the importance of understanding a company’s mission and values.
The students, who are exploring what it takes to launch and grow a business, listened attentively as John and Mark shared their journey. They recounted how a simple idea, selling socks, evolved into John’s Crazy Socks, now recognized as the world’s largest sock store. John Cronin, who has Down syndrome, spoke candidly about his experiences as a business founder and about the company’s commitment to employing people with differing abilities.
“I love speaking with student entrepreneurs. That is our tribe,” said John Cronin.
The presentation included lessons learned from starting and scaling a business, highlighting both the setbacks and successes. Mark Cronin stressed the significance of staying focused on the organization’s mission. “So many have helped us along the way. It is important that we help others,” he said.
Professor Jim Freely, who organized the event, noted the impact of the presentation. “The students love hearing from John and Mark. They know how to grab the attention of these students and provide real-world experience that is both educational and inspiring,” he said.
John and Mark discussed the fundamentals of building a social enterprise and explained how a business can create economic and social value. Topics included hiring people with differing abilities, community engagement, and creating customer experiences. Mark explained, “We want to spark their imagination, and both confront them with the challenges they will face while offering ways they can meet those challenges.”
The discussion was followed by a question-and-answer session, where students asked detailed questions about launching a startup, dealing with adversity, and maintaining motivation. The engagement from the students suggested they left the session with actionable ideas and a clearer sense of purpose.
The Cronins continue to engage with student audiences across the country, sharing their experience to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs to build mission-driven organizations.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was founded by John Cronin, a young entrepreneur with Down syndrome, and his father, Mark X. Cronin. The company is a social enterprise with a mission to spread happiness, promote inclusion, and support charitable causes. Five percent of earnings go to the Special Olympics, and to date, the company has donated over $800,000 to charity.
Each purchase supports jobs for people with differing abilities and includes a handwritten thank-you note from John along with a small piece of candy. For more information, visit www.johnscrazysocks.com.
