This morning, John Cronin, co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks, participated in a Huntington Chamber of Commerce Networking event. Meeting with business and government leaders, John wasn’t just there to shake hands and talk about socks—he was there to show the power of inclusion and the vital role people with differing abilities play in our communities.
To demonstrate our commitment to inclusion, John’s Crazy Socks co-sponsored this networking event with the Chamber of Commerce.
A Seat at the Table for Everyone
At our core, John’s Crazy Socks is dedicated to a simple mission: to show what people with differing abilities can achieve when given an opportunity. We focus on creating employment opportunities, but we also recognize the need for people with differing abilities to fully engage in our communities. That requires leaders like John stepping forward and community groups being open to welcoming individuals of all abilities.
“I want to be included in our community groups like everyone else,” said John Cronin. “I love meeting with other business leaders and asking how we can help them.”
By being part of this networking event, John highlighted something crucial—our community groups and organizations should actively invite and include people with differing abilities. When everyone has a seat at the table, our communities grow stronger, more diverse, and more innovative.
The Power of Representation
John’s presence at today’s event sent a powerful message: People with differing abilities don’t just belong in our communities—they should be leaders in them.
Too often, individuals with differing abilities face barriers to employment, social engagement, and leadership roles. By showing up, speaking out, and participating, John is breaking those barriers down. His involvement challenges other organizations to step up and create inclusive spaces where everyone can contribute.
Providing Services for Small Businesses and Non-Profits
John’s Crazy Socks donated money to help sponsor this morning’s event and set up a table to share information about our services for businesses and non-profits. “We have a mission to spread happiness,” said Mark X. Cronin. “And John will tell you that the keys to happiness are gratitude and doing for others. The more we do for others, the better off we are.”
“We ask non-profits and businesses what we can do for them and that’s how we developed our Charity Fundraising Program, our Donation Request Initiative and Custom Sock services to meet their needs. We make custom socks with the designs and colors of non-profits that they can sell to raise money or offer as thank you gifts for donors. Many use the socks in swag bags at gala fundraisers or golf tournaments.”
“We ask businesses what we can do for them and that’s how we developed our custom sock program making socks for businesses large (Microsoft, Merck, Google) and small (lawyers, accountants, service companies). People love getting the socks, they wear them and they think of the company that gave them the socks; people have enough t-shirts and coffee mugs. Plus, we offer concierge gift services so we can arrange the perfect gift sets for employees or customers. We also offer fulfillment services and assembly services so if you need a package put together for a gala or conference, we can do it for you.”
John and Mark are frequent guest speakers at community group events including Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs and more.
Giving Back to Our Community
John’s Crazy Socks has shipped over 475,000 packages to eighty-nine different countries, but we always remember that our roots are on Long Island, and it is important to engage in our local community. One way we do that is by supporting local businesses through the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce. Mark serves on the board of the Chamber, and we often sponsor events such as the Non-Profit Networking event.
Mark said, “It is important that as a business we give back to our community. We serve all our stakeholders and that includes our employees, our customers and our community.”
Join Us in Making a Difference
At John’s Crazy Socks, we believe that small actions lead tobig changes. Supporting businesses that champion inclusion, advocating for opportunities for people with differing abilities, and spreading happiness—all of these make our communities better.
Let’s work together to build a world where inclusion isn’t an afterthought but the standard. If your organization wants to learn how to be more inclusive, partner with us, or simply get inspired, reach out today!
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 havea 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.
