John’s Crazy Socks hosted Ashley Bunici, a student at the College of the Holy Cross, as part of the school’s Summer 2023 Alumni Job Shadow Program. The visit gave Ashley the opportunity to learn more about John’s Crazy Socks and the benefits of hiring people with differing abilities.
Part of the mission at John’s Crazy Socks is to show what people with differing abilities can accomplish when given an opportunity. One way to fulfill that mission is to welcome students to see first-hand how we operate so they can learn the benefits of hiring people with differing abilities and the power of the social enterprise. The more people that see our operations, the more people will understand the benefit of hiring people with differing abilities.
John’s Crazy Socks has a special connection to Holy Cross as both John’s father and co-founder Mark X. Cronin, and his mother Carol Cronin, graduated from the school.
Mark said, “The lessons learned at Holy Cross continue blossoming in me today and hosting students from the school is one way of showing gratitude for all the school gave me, my wife and our family.”
Afterwards, Ashley wrote, “It was such a valuable opportunity and I’m so grateful I was able to learn from everyone. I had a wonderful time and loved getting to know you all. It was such a happy and refreshing environment and I love what you are all doing and your mission.”
Selecting a Shadow Program Opportunity
Ashely Bunici is a graduate of St. Anthony’s High School and lives in Setauket. She just completed her freshman year at Holy Cross. She chose to visit John’s Crazy Socks because she has an interest in becoming a lawyer and working with disabled clients. Ashley is active with the Best Buddies program at Holy Cross and has an older sister, Brooke, who has special needs.
“I loved my visit to John’s Crazy Socks,” said Ashley. “I learned so much about what they do, how they give opportunities to people and the difference that a business can make.”
A Day at John’s Crazy Socks
John welcomed Ashley to start the day and gave her a tour of the operations.
“I love giving tours and showing people what we do,” said John.
Ashley then met with John and Mark to hear their origin story and to learn about the business. She then met with managers and staff from across John’s Crazy Socks to learn about all aspects of the business. In addition to the individual meetings, Ashley and all staff gathered for lunch.
About the College of the Holy Cross
The College of the Holy Cross located in Worcester, Mass., is among the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 2,900 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Since its founding in 1843, Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life.
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.
