At John's Crazy Socks, every story we tell is a reminder of what's possible. And that's exactly the message John and Mark X. Cronin shared when they delivered the keynote address at the Parent to Parent USA Leadership Institute, a virtual gathering of leaders who support families raising children with disabilities and special health care needs. 

The father-son duo behind Abilities Rising and John's Crazy Socks spoke about more than business. They talked about hope. About community. About seeing the possibilityin every person. 

From Uncertainty to Purpose 

John's journey began with uncertainty. As a newborn, he needed two life-saving surgeries before he was three months old. And John, as a child, could not speak; he learned sign language to communicate. Doctors shared a long list of things he might never do. But his story took a different path,  one filled with joy, achievement, and the unwavering belief that we rise by lifting others. 

Today, John is a successful entrepreneur, speaker, and Special Olympics athlete. He's co-founder and Chief Happiness Officer at John's Crazy Socks, the world's largest sock store. He's also spoken at the  United Nations,  testified before Congress, and inspired thousands across North America. 

As Mark told the audience, "Look at the possibilities in each of us. And in everyone we meet." 

Why Parent Support Matters 

In their keynote, John and Mark reflected on the early days  when everything felt uncertain and other parents offered a lifeline. Those parents shared stories. They gave hope. 

John and Mark thanked the Parent-to-Parent USA community: "What you do matters. You are changing lives. You helped us, and you help so many others." 

A Business with a Mission 

When John finished school, he faced a challenge many people with differing abilities experience: a lack of job opportunities. But instead of getting discouraged, John said, "If I can't find a job, I'll make one." 

He turned to his dad and said, "Let's go into business together." 

That dream became John's Crazy Socks, a social enterprise with a simple mission:Spreading Happiness™. It's a business where more than half of the employees have a differing ability, and where giving back is built into everything we do. We've now donated over  $800,000 to our charity partners, including the  Special Olympics and the  National Down Syndrome Society. 

John and Mark shared stories of team members like Andrew and Thomas, whose jobs at our company are more than a paycheck;  they're a source of pride and possibility. 

Inclusion Is Good Business 

During the keynote, Mark shared what we see every day: hiring people with differing abilities is not about charity. It's  good business. 

It leads to: 

The message was clear: focus on what people can do, not what they can't. Inclusion works, and it spreads happiness. 

Words to Live By 

As the keynote wrapped up, John shared his advice: 

"Follow your heart. Follow your dreams. Work hard. Show what you can do." 

The virtual crowd loved it. Questions poured in about inclusive hiring, entrepreneurship, and how to create meaningful work for people with diverse abilities. 

As Marsha Quinn from Parent to Parent USA said, "Your keynote was engaging, inspirational, and appreciated." 

Final Thoughts 

At  John's Crazy Socks, we know that possibility lives in every child, every family, and every dream. We believe that no parent should ever feel alone—and that together, we can build a world where everyone is included, valued, and empowered to shine.   

If you'd like John and Mark to speak at your event, visit www.JohnandMarkCronin.com or email us at  booking@jmspeak.com. And if you're ready to wear socks that spread joy, head over to  JohnsCrazySocks.com. 

Let's keep seeing what's possible—together.