John and Mark X. Cronin, co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks, travelled to Fort Wayne, Indiana where they delivered a talk with the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana. John is not only an entrepreneur, but he has Down syndrome. The father-son team shared John’s story with an audience of self-advocates and parents offering encouragement and showing what is possible.
John said, “I love speaking with other people who have Down syndrome. I want everyone to see that Down syndrome never holds me back.”
Shelley Yonder, the executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana said, “It was so great to hear from John and Mark. Their story is so moving. They lifted our families and showed what people with Down syndrome can accomplish.”
A Story of Inspiration
John and Mark shared the heartwarming story behind John’s Crazy Socks. As John was wrapping up his final year of high school, he began to wonder what the future would hold. Like many people with differing abilities, finding meaningful work proved to be a challenge. Unfortunately, in the U.S., only one in five people with a disability is employed.
But John is a natural entrepreneur. He saw a problem as an opportunity. "If I can’t find a job, I’ll make one," John declared. He approached his dad with the idea of starting a business together.
His idea? Socks! "Why socks?" John says with a smile, "They're colorful, comfortable, and creative. Plus, I’ve worn crazy socks my whole life—they let me be me."
With that spark, they got to work. John was sure that if he loved crazy socks, others would too. He came up with the name John’s Crazy Socks and the plan to sell them online. They launched the company on December 9, 2016, not knowing what to expect. That first day, they received 42 orders—mostly from local customers. John personally delivered the socks, knocking on doors and spreading joy. People loved it, sharing photos and their excitement on social media. By the end of the month, they had shipped 452 orders, and they knew they were onto something special.
Fast forward to today, John’s Crazy Socks has grown into the largest sock store in the world. They offer 4,000 different sock designs plus they make custom socks. They’ve created 34 jobs, 22 of which are held by people with differing abilities. They’ve shipped over 475,000 orders to 89 countries and raised more than $800,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America.
Inspiring Others
“We’ve been so fortunate to grow this business,” says Mark X. Cronin, John’s father and co-founder. “It’s important to us to give back—not just with donations but by sharing John’s story. We want to inspire others with differing abilities to find their own path, whether it’s through entrepreneurship or employment. We also want to show the world the incredible work our colleagues do and break down the misconception that meaningful employment isn’t possible for people with differing abilities.”
During their talk, they shared moments from John’s early years—like how he couldn’t speak and had to learn sign language to communicate. Now, John is a sought-after public speaker. They also explained how hiring people with differing abilities has contributed to the company’s success.
“Hiring people with differing abilities isn’t charity; it’s smart business,” Mark adds.
A Heartwarming Response
After the talk, John met with members of the audience, answering their questions and taking photographs. Kandi Pickard, the President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society, attended the talk and congratulated John. “I love hearing your talks,” she told him.
One parent said, “This is such an amazing story and it helps me see what my son can do as he grows up.”
Keynote and Event Speakers
John and Mark speak with many audiences ranging from large business meetings to conferences to gala fundraisers; yet meeting with Down syndrome organizations holds a special place in their hearts. “We love speaking with families of people with Down syndrome and people with differing abilities,” said Mark. “That’s our tribe. We can share our journey.”
You can have John and Mark speak to your organization or school. They share their entrepreneurial story of how a young man with Down syndrome together with his father created what is today the world’s largest sock store with a mission to spread happiness. Their speaking engagements bring laughter, tears and inspire people to see what is possible for each of us to achieve. They have spoken in person at events across Canada, the United States and Mexico and virtually at events around the world. They have spoken at events for Microsoft, EY, Bank of America, the Special Olympics, and the National Down Syndrome Society, among others.
If you would like John and Mark to speak at your event, please visit the speaker’s pages at our website or contact them at Speaking@johnscrazysocks.com.
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 $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.
