John and Mark X. Cronin, co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks, joined a panel of presenters for the webinar: Envisioning Possibilities: A Panel on Entrepreneurship for the Down Syndrome Community. The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) organized the webinar.
“I am an entrepreneur and I have Down syndrome,” said John Cronin, “I want everyone to know that entrepreneurship is an option for all, including people with Down syndrome.”
The Envisioning Possibilities Webinar
NDSS organized this panel discussion with entrepreneurs with Down syndrome sharing their stories, insights, and tips for overcoming obstacles and achieving success in the world of entrepreneurship. In addition to John and Mark from John’s Crazy Socks, panelists included Austin’s Underdawgs, Candidly Kind, and Matthew’s Bonfire BBQ.
The panelists shared their insights into starting and leading a business and some of the obstacles they have encountered. Austin Underwood shared how growing his food truck business helped him gain independence. Carrie Key spoke of how she and Grace used social media to grow Candidly Kind. Matthew Hessberg told of how he turned his love of cooking into creating Matthew’s Bonfire BBQ.
Mark X. Cronin urged attendees to “Get started. Don’t wait for perfection, learn as you go.”
John’s Crazy Socks and Entrepreneurism
John Cronin is a shining example of an entrepreneur. Getting ready to leave high school, John could not find meaningful work. He took that challenge as an opportunity to create his own job. John told his father, Mark X. Cronin, that he wanted to go into business with him. John had the idea to sell crazy socks. Based on John’s idea and initiative, the father-son team created John’s Crazy Socks, a social enterprise which is now the world’s largest sock store.
John and Mark promote entrepreneurism as an option for all. They collaborate with self-advocate businesses and speak often on the topic. “Entrepreneurs can help make the world a better place,” said Mark X. Cronin. “Our businesses can have a greater impact than the dollars and cents on our bottom line.”
John’s Crazy Socks and NDSS
John and John’s Crazy Socks supports NDSS not only through our donations, but in many other ways. In 2019, John joined the Board of the National Down Syndrome Society.
John and his father, Mark X. Cronin, are part of the NDSS Ambassador’s Program and Mark serves as the Captain for the New York team at the Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference. John and Mark participate in the advocacy and lobbying program supported by NDSS. Recently, John and Mark celebrated with a table full of colleagues at the NDSS Gala.
John’s Crazy Socks held an event to promote and educate people about ABLE Accounts and were joined by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. NDSS co-sponsored that event. In fact, NDSS was instrumental in getting the initial ABLE Account law passed.
Down Syndrome Awareness Socks
John Cronin designed and created the world’s first Down Syndrome Awareness Socks in 2017. Since that time, John has designed many new Down syndrome-themed socks and products, including throw blankets so that John’s Crazy Socks now has a full line of Down Syndrome Awareness products. John’s favorite socks are the Down Syndrome Super Hero Socks. Come holiday time, John’s Crazy Socks creates a holiday Down Syndrome Super Box that has products made by companies led by or employing people with Down syndrome.
We donate money from the sale of those socks and products to the National Down Syndrome Society.
John’s Crazy Socks offers a Buddy Walk® sock that raises money for the Buddy Walk® Program. John never misses the NYC Buddy Walk®. John’s Crazy Socks also sponsors a Buddy Walk Fundraising Program that helps local Buddy Walk organizers raise money.
In addition to donations from Down syndrome-themed products, John’s Crazy Socks has helped sponsor the NYC Buddy Walk and donates “Design a Sock with John” for auction at the annual NDSS Gala.
About the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
TheNational Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities. Founded in 1979, NDSS supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy, and Community Engagement. Within these focus areas NDSS engages in various activities, events, and programs on topics that are critical to our community such as federal and state advocacy and public policy, health and wellness, education, and employment. NDSS creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan and hosts awareness and engagement events throughout the country including the National Buddy Walk® Program, the Times Square Video presentation and New York City Buddy Walk®, Racing for 3.21 on World Down Syndrome Day, Run for 3.21, DC Golf Outing, the annual NDSS Gala & Auction, and various other events. Visitwww.ndss.org for more information about NDSS.
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 $600,000 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.
