The co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks, John and Mark X. Cronin, made an appearance on Good Morning America 3to spread some happiness, promote hiring people with differing abilities and talk about their business. Co-host T.J Holmes gave a warm and rousing welcome sharing that John’s Crazy Socks is the world’s largest sock store and spoke of how much fun he had finding socks at the online store. “They have something for everyone.”
You can see a video of their appearance here:
John and Mark shared their origin story, how John could not find meaningful work so he decided he would create his own job by going into business with his father. “John’s a natural entrepreneur,” said Mark. It was John’s idea to sell crazy socks and he explained that he always loved crazy socks, “They are fun, colorful and creative. They always let me be me.”
With great enthusiasm, John shared his mission to “spread happiness.”
Co-host Amy Robach pointed out that this business isn’t just about selling socks. Mark explained that John’s Crazy Socks is a social enterprise with both a social and business purpose.
Mark explained that 22 out of 31 employees have a differing ability. But hiring people with differing abilities is not enough for John and Mark. Mark said, “We want to show the world what people with differing abilities can do.” The co-founders do that by hosting school tours and work groups from schools and social service agencies, speaking at events around the country and doing advocacy work. The pair have testified twice before Congress and spoken at the United Nations.
Mark pointed out that many employers say they cannot find enough good workers and urged those employers to consider hiring people with differing abilities who are ready, able, and willing to work.
Amy Robach asked about the charitable donations the company makes and John explained that they make awareness socks to celebrate causes and raise money for those causes. He listed some of the causes including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, pet rescue and named some of their charity partners including the National Down Syndrome Society, the Autism Society of America, and the North Shore Animal League America.
Mark highlighted the company’s commitment to the Special Olympics which starts with a pledge to donate five percent of earnings to the organization but includes other products and donations. John proudly stated, “I am a Special Olympic athlete.” And beamed when his father shared that John has donated over $100,000 to the Special Olympics, more than any other Special Olympic athlete.
In closing the show, Dr. Jenifer Ashton praised John and Mark for using the term “differing abilities” when referring to people with disabilities.
John said, “I loved being on GMA3. I made me so happy to tell my story and show what people with differing abilities can do.”
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™. They do this by offering socks people can love that allows an expression of one’s true self and by giving back, by creating jobs for people with differing abilities and by 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.
