On Wednesday evening, John and Mark X. Cronin, co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks, spoke with an assembly of parents of children with differing abilities. They shared a message of hope for the future of their children. The father and son team are frequent keynote speakers and take particular satisfaction in speaking with parent groups.
John Cronin has Down syndrome and could not find meaningful work upon leaving high school. But John is a natural entrepreneur and if he could not find a job, he would create one. He suggested to his father that they go into business selling crazy socks. They bootstrapped their business into the world’s largest sock store with thirty-four employees, twenty-two of whom have a differing ability. John and Mark were named EY Entrepreneurs of the Year.
“Parents of children with disabilities often hear negative words and can face significant challenges. We have faced the same so we can relate to them and at the same time, offer encouragement and show them there is a better world that awaits their children,” said Mark X. Cronin, John’s father.
Beth Henry, who organized the event, said, “Thank you so much! It was a great evening and everyone attending really had a great time. The presentation was outstanding and we so enjoyed meeting John and Mark.”
After the talk, John and Mark spent time talking to the parents and the students.
The Rocky Point Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The speaking event was organized by the Special Education Resource Committee (SERC) of the Rocky Point PTA. The organizers wanted to offer parents an example of someone like their children making his way in the world.
“I love meeting with PTAs,” said John. “I want them to know how much I learned in school and how I started my own business.”
Charity Fundraising with the Rocky Point PTA
John’s Crazy Socks is collaborating with the Rocky Point PTA on a charity fundraising program. This is an initiative that John's Crazy Socks offers to nonprofits. John's Crazy Socks provides a special charity code to the nonprofit. The nonprofit then shares that charity code with their supporters. When a customer uses that code in making a purchase at the John's Crazy Socks website, the customer receives a free gift and John's crazy socks donates 10% to the nonprofit.
John and Mark made a video to support the ROCKY Point PTA fundraiser.
“We developed the charity fundraising program during the pandemic to help non-profits raise funds in a way that was free, easy to do and touchless. It is better than having to distribute candy, greeting cards, or wrapping paper like traditional charity sales, said Mark X. Cronin.
Beth Henry said, “We love this opportunity to work with John’s Crazy Socks Service to raise funds for our organization.”
Keynote and Event Speakers
You can have John and Mark speak to your organization or school. 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.
If you would like John and Mark to speak at your event, please visit the speaker’s pages at our website or contact them at Speaking@johnscrazysocks.com.
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 $640,000 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, TikTok or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
