When we started our journey, we weren’t trying to build a movement. We were trying to build a life for a young man with Down syndrome who had a dream, and a father determined to help him make it a reality.
Today, that journey reached a milestone none of us could have predicted.
John Cronin, my son and business partner, has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2026 in Social Impact. He is the first person with Down syndrome ever to appear on the list.
Forbes describes its honorees as “the next generation of leaders and innovators changing the world.” John belongs in that company. Not because of a feel-good story. Not because of sympathy. But because of what he has built and what he continues to build.
This is a recognition of leadership, entrepreneurship, and impact at scale.
What Forbes Saw in John
John didn’t get here by accident. He earned this.
Over the past several years, John has:
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Co-founded John’s Crazy Socks, creating dozens of jobs with more than half held by people with differing abilities.
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Donated over $800,000 to organizations like Special Olympics New York and the National Down Syndrome Society.
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Co-founded Abilities Rising, a disability-owned ecosystem of businesses focused on publishing, coaching, workplace inclusion, and mission-driven e-commerce.
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Launched Abilities Rising Publishing, the first publishing house majority-owned by a man with Down syndrome, dedicated to books by, for, and about people with differing abilities.
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Advocated for People with Differing Abilities: John has spoken at the United Nations, testified twice before Congress, and regularly meets with elected officials.
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Spoken Up as a Role Model: John has delivered keynote speeches and breakout sessions from California to Massachusetts, speaking at conferences, business meetings, fundraisers, and college campuses.
This is entrepreneurial achievement, not inspirational sentiment.
It’s the evidence of what can happen when someone’s potential is recognized rather than restricted.
A New Platform for a Bigger Mission
John has never been interested in being a token or a mascot. He’s an owner. A decision-maker. A leader.
Building John’s Crazy Socks and receiving recognition like Forbes 30 Under 30 have given John a platform where people will listen. It also creates an obligation to speak out for people with differing abilities and to lead.
And he already knows what he wants to do with it.
1. Champion Inclusive Employment
Too many employers still assume that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can’t contribute. John’s experience proves they can and often outperform expectations.
Our message remains unchanged: hiring people with differing abilities is not charity; it’s good business.
2. Expand Disability Entrepreneurship
John’s story is a roadmap for families who want something more than sheltered workshops or endless job searches.
He wants to show families that entrepreneurship isn’t a “last resort,” it can be a path to independence, contribution, and joy.
3. Build Abilities Rising Into a National Force
John’s Crazy Socks was the beginning.
Abilities Rising is the evolution.
A family of disability-owned businesses designed to create jobs, amplify voices, and give families and employers the tools they need to build inclusive futures.
What This Means for Our Speaking Work
John and I speak to companies, conferences, and communities across North America, sharing a message that blends leadership, inclusion, entrepreneurship, and practical tools for building great workplaces.
This recognition elevates that work.
For event organizers, Forbes 30 Under 30 adds a new layer of credibility and visibility. John has also been recognized as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year.
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John is not only a founder, but he’s a nationally recognized founder.
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His leadership is acknowledged at the highest levels.
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He is a powerful, hopeful example of what inclusion looks like when it’s done well.
We already deliver one of the highest-rated keynotes that many conferences have ever hosted. This milestone only strengthens the impact we can create for audiences.
Looking Ahead
This recognition is not a finish line. It’s fuel.
John intends to use this moment to advance a future where:
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More people with differing abilities get meaningful jobs
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More families see entrepreneurship as a real option
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More companies build inclusive cultures that actually perform
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More stories of disability leadership enter the mainstream
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And more communities rise together through purpose-driven business
We’re grateful to Forbes for recognizing John not as an exception, but as a leader. Because that’s precisely what he is.
If You Want to Bring This Message to Your Organization
We customize keynotes and workshops for:
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Corporate leadership summits
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HR and DEI conferences
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Universities
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Nonprofit events
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Disability inclusion programs
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Entrepreneurship forums
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Board and executive retreats
If you want your audience to see what real inclusion looks like — and what it can do for your business, your culture, and your community —we’d be honored to join you.
You can learn more or book us at:
johnandmarkcronin.com
This is just the beginning.
When you believe in people, they rise.
