Last week, we traveled to Baltimore to deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Tapping Into Talent: Innovation and Opportunity Conference, hosted by the Kennedy Krieger Institute.  This national gathering was part of their Neurodiversity at Work initiative and brought together more than 500 attendees—employers, service providers, educators, policy leaders, and advocates—who are building workplaces that value neurodiverse talent and inclusive hiring practices.  

We were honored to take the stage and share our story.  

The Power of Possibility 

John and I opened our talk by sharing how John's Crazy Socks got started. It began with a conversation:when John finished high school and couldn't find meaningful work, he said to me, "Dad, let's go into business together." That dream led us to create the world's largest sock store, a social enterprise with a mission to Spread Happiness.  

As we told our story, we spoke of the belief that fuels everything we do: hiring people with differing abilities isn't charity, it's good business. It creates stronger teams, sparks innovation, and changes lives. Inclusion leads to excellence. We see it every day in our warehouse, where more than half of our team has differing abilities, and our same-day shipping beats Amazon's. Plus, Jeff Bezos doesn't put candy and a thank you note in his packages like John does.  

We shared stories of purpose and perseverance, the pride of that first paycheck, and the dignity that comes with meaningful work. This is what true inclusion looks like, not just opening the door, but helping people walk through it with purpose and belonging. 

A Room Full of Changemakers 

We closed by thanking the attendees. These are the people doing the hard work, coaching job seekers, crafting policies, advocating for equity, and showing up for their communities. Their work matters, and we need them to keep going. 

And the response? Overwhelming. 

One woman approached us, tears in her eyes, and said, Thank you for putting into words what I've always felt."  Another man said, "I needed this today." 

Moments like that remind us why we speak, why we travel, and why we share our story. 

John Does What He Loves Most 

After the keynote, John met a crowd of new friends. There were hugs, selfies, and smiles all around. John lives for this: connecting with people, spreading 

happiness, and sharing his message of focusing on what people can do. 

When someone asked him how he felt about being there, John gave his signature thumbs up and said, "I loved it. I got to meet amazing people. And I got to spread  happiness." 

Why This Kennedy Krieger Conference Matters 

The Tapping Into Talent Conference isn't just another event;  it's part of a movement. The Kennedy Krieger Institute is leading the way with its Neurodiversity at Work initiative, helping employers unlock untapped talent and reimagine what inclusive workplaces can look like. 

We're proud to be part of that mission. 

At John's Crazy Socks, we believe in creating meaningful jobs, especially for people with differing abilities. It's not about lowering the bar—it's about seeing the potential that's already there and giving people the opportunity to shine. 

Join Us in Spreading Happiness 

To the people of Baltimore and everyone at Kennedy Krieger: thank you for welcoming us, for listening, and for leading with heart. 

Let's keep building a world where everyone belongs. 

And remember what John always says: 

"The keys to happiness are gratitude and doing for others."