On March 17, 2020, John Cronin, my son and co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks, made history. Standing proudly in front of the electronic wall in the NASDAQ building in Times Square, John became the first entrepreneur with Down syndrome to ring the closing bell at NASDAQ. It was an unforgettable moment, not just for us as a family, but for everyone who believes in the power of inclusion and the potential of people with differing abilities.
This honor came in the lead-up to World Down Syndrome Day, held annually on March 21. For many, the day is marked by wearing colorful, fun socks to celebrate the beauty of diversity and raise awareness. John, ever the optimist, used this platform to share a simple yet powerful message: “I have Down syndrome, but Down syndrome never holds me back.”
A Celebration of Inclusion and Impact
The NASDAQ visit wasn’t just about ringing the bell. John's smiling face and our company's logo lit up their seven-story digital billboard in the heart of Times Square. It was a proud moment that symbolized whatJohn’s Crazy Socks is all about spreading happiness and showing what people with differing abilities can achieve when given opportunities.
At John’s Crazy Socks, more than half of our colleagues have differing abilities. Their hard work, creativity, and passion fuel our success. While John is the face of our company, our team’s dedication makes our mission of spreading happiness a reality.
As a social enterprise, we strive to be more than just a business. We combine great products with a larger mission. From hiring inclusively to running a strong Giving Back program, we aim to demonstrate what’s possible. To date, we’ve raised over $800,000 for organizations like the Special Olympics, the Autism Society of America, and the National Down Syndrome Society. Every pair of socks we sell contributes to making the world a more inclusive place.
A Small Business Changing the World
Our time at NASDAQ was a reminder of how far we’ve come. From starting John’s Crazy Socks as a small father-son venture to being recognized on an international stage, every step of our journey reinforces our commitment to inclusion and excellence.
We’re not just selling socks; we’re spreading a message of hope and possibility. John and I often say, “We may be a couple of knuckleheads selling socks, but all we’re trying to do is change the world.” The NASDAQ bell ringing was a resounding affirmation of that vision.
What the Day Meant to Us
That day at NASDAQ wasn’t just about celebrating our achievements. It was about showing the world that people with differing abilities have much to offer. It was about John standing tall and saying, “Look at what I can do.” It was about inspiring others to believe in themselves, to see past limitations, and to embrace possibilities.
For us, every step forward is an opportunity to challenge perceptions. We want to show that inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s transformative. And when businesses open their doors to people with differing abilities, they open the door to innovation, dedication, and joy.
Moving Forward
As we look back on that incredible day, we are filled with gratitude and determination. We’re grateful to the NASDAQ for recognizing our work and giving John a platform to share his message. And we’re more determined than ever to continue building a world where everyone, regardless of ability, has a chance to shine.
To our customers, supporters, and friends: thank you for walking this journey with us. Together, we’re not just spreading happiness; we’re showing the world what’s possible.
If you'd like to learn more about our story or support our mission, you can find us at John’s Crazy Socks. Because when we celebrate abilities, we all rise.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit ourwebpage,Facebook page,Instagram account, TikTok, orYouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email atservice@johnscrazysocks.com.
