When people think of entrepreneurs, they often picture tech moguls, corporate executives, or industry disruptors. But true entrepreneurship isn’t about fitting a mold—it’s about vision, determination, and the courage to create something extraordinary. And few embody that spirit better than John Cronin, the co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks.
John, who has Down syndrome, is not just running a business—he’s redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur. As he often says, “I have Down syndrome, but Down syndrome never holds me back.” His journey is proof that passion, hard work, and a mission-driven approach can lead to incredible success.
Building the World’s Largest Sock Store
In the fall of 2016, John entered his last year of high school and began a search to determine what he would do when school ended. John could not find meaningful work. This is an unfortunate reality as only one in five people with a disability are employed in the United States. But John is a natural entrepreneur: he saw that problem as an opportunity.
If John could not find a good job, he would create one. He told his father, Mark X. Cronin, “I want to go into business with you.” John loved colorful, fun socks and wanted to share that joy with the world. That idea became John’s Crazy Socks, a social enterprise with a mission to spread happiness.
Fast forward to today, and John’s Crazy Socks is more than just a sock company—it’s an inclusion revolution. The company:
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offers 4,000 sock choices, making it the world’s largest sock store.
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has created 34 jobs, with 22 held by people with differing abilities.
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has donated over $800,000 to charity partners, supporting organizations that promote Down syndrome awareness, disability rights, and other worthy causes.
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Has been named Best Fun & Creative Sock Retailer by LUXlife Magazine as part of their Style & Apparel Awards 2024!
John’s Crazy Socks is proof that a company can do good while doing business, and John leads that charge with enthusiasm and purpose.
A Trailblazing Entrepreneur and Advocate
John’s entrepreneurial success hasn’t gone unnoticed. He is the only person with Down syndrome to be named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year. He has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, sharing his insights on business, inclusion, and making an impact. And you have seen him on many national news programs including CBS Evening News, PBS, Fox News, and Good Morning America.
John’s influence extends far beyond his own company. He is a sought-after keynote speaker, traveling across North America to inspire others. Alongside his father, he has:
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gone on a speaking tour of Canada on behalf of the U.S. State Department.
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spoken at the United Nations about entrepreneurship and inclusion.
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testified twice before the U.S. Congress, advocating for disability employment rights.
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recorded two TEDx talks, sharing his message with a global audience.
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judged entrepreneurial competitions in New York and British Columbia.
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spoken at colleges and universities across Canada and the U.S.
John is also a leader in disability advocacy, serving on the board of the National Down Syndrome Society and as a member of the CEO Commission for Disability Employment. His work is not just about business—it’s about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for people of all abilities.
Inclusion as a Business Model
What makes John’s Crazy Socks stand out isn’t just its product selection—it’s its commitment to inclusion. From the start, John and Mark built their company with a focus on hiring people with differing abilities, proving that inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s good business.
Their team members bring passion, loyalty, and dedication to their work, helping the company thrive. Their customers, inspired by John’s story, feel connected to a mission that goes beyond retail. And their commitment to giving back strengthens the communities they serve.
John’s success challenges outdated perceptions about what people with disabilities can achieve. He isn’t just working at a company—he’s running it. He isn’t just supporting inclusion—he’s leading the charge.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Knows No Limits
John Cronin’s journey proves that entrepreneurship is about ability, not disability. His drive, vision, and commitment to making a difference make him a true business leader. He’s not just an entrepreneur with Down syndrome—he’s an outstanding entrepreneur, period.
As John continues to grow his business, advocate for inclusion, and inspire others, one thing is clear: Down syndrome never holds him back.
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 sock varieties, 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 $800,000 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.
