For nine years, we’ve had the joy of building something special with you. What started as a dream between a father and son became a business that reached millions, created dozens of jobs, and showed what people with differing abilities can do when given a chance.

Now, we're on to our next chapter. We're creating a movement. 

Big, joyful news! John Cronin has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30, the first person with Down syndrome ever to make the list. It’s a huge win for inclusion and a celebration of the impact John has created through John’s Crazy Socks, Abilities Rising, and his advocacy work.

This milestone isn’t the end. It’s a boost to keep spreading our message: when you believe in people, they rise.

At John’s Crazy Socks, we believe words matter! Mark Cronin, our co-founder, is asking everyone—including leaders—to stop using hurtful words like the r-word. People with differing abilities aren’t “less than”—they’re talented, hardworking, and full of possibility. Inclusion isn’t a weakness; it’s powerful, and it makes our world brighter every day.

We were honored to host New York Assemblyman Kwani O’Pharrow at John’s Crazy Socks for a tour and an in-depth conversation about expanding employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for people with differing abilities. Together, we discussed eliminating the subminimum wage, addressing employment challenges, and supporting disability-owned businesses. Assemblyman O’Pharrow’s genuine engagement and commitment to inclusive policies inspire us as we continue our mission to show what people with differing abilities can achieve and to build a more inclusive economy for all.

We shared our story with Morgan Stanley’s Green Jade Group — a story about family, purpose, and the power of inclusion. What began with John, a young man with Down syndrome who wanted to start a business, has grown into the world’s largest sock store and a movement that shows what people with differing abilities can do.

Our message was simple: don’t focus on limitations — look at the possibilities. Inclusive hiring works, purpose drives success, and together we can build businesses that make money and make a difference.

John and Mark are heading to Denver for Celebrate Shop, a two-day marketplace and conference by Celebrate EDU that highlights entrepreneurs with differing abilities. Taking place on November 15–16, 2025, at the Curtis Hotel, the event will feature 30+ entrepreneurs, inspiring panels, and a vibrant pop-up shop. John will be a featured entrepreneur, while Mark will join the Parent Panel — both sharing their journey with John’s Crazy Socks and their mission to spread happiness and inclusion. Join them on Saturday, November 15, to shop, connect, and celebrate what’s possible!

From a simple idea between a father and son to a global movement for inclusion, John’s Crazy Socks has grown far beyond a sock company. In their feature in The American News, John and Mark Cronin share how their purpose-driven business model—built on love, inclusion, and smart hiring—has created jobs for people with differing abilities, raised over $800,000 for charity, and proven that inclusion is not just the right thing to do, it’s good business. Their story inspires leaders, entrepreneurs, and families alike to build with purpose and spread happiness every step of the way.

John and Mark Cronin of John’s Crazy Socks joined the fifth-anniversary celebration of One For All Gift Shop in Southold, NY—a store founded by Theresa and Sean DeMarco that champions entrepreneurs with differing abilities. What began as Sean’s dream has grown into a thriving business featuring products from over 70 neurodiverse creators nationwide. The event, held on Halloween, was filled with joy, costumes, and a shared mission to show what’s possible when inclusion and purpose lead the way.

John and Mark X. Cronin inspired leaders at the Parent to Parent USA Leadership Institute with their powerful keynote, “Seeing What’s Possible.” Sharing their journey from uncertainty to purpose, the father-son duo behind John’s Crazy Socks celebrated hope, inclusion, and the power of community. Their message—focus on what people can do, not what they can’t—reminds us that inclusion isn’t just good for the heart, it’s good for business.

This blog is a powerful reminder that words have consequences—and the use of the R-word is not harmless or humorous, but deeply hurtful. By calling out public figures who normalize this slur, the blog urges us to reject ableist language and instead choose respect and inclusion. Through the story of John, a successful entrepreneur with Down syndrome, it illustrates the dignity and potential of people with differing abilities and challenges readers to speak up, educate others, and help build a culture where everyone is valued.

The future of millions of students with disabilities is on the line. With the federal office responsible for protecting their legal rights under threat, the safeguards that made inclusion, opportunity, and independence possible could disappear overnight. This isn’t just a policy change—it’s a direct challenge to decades of progress. We must speak up, stand together, and demand a plan to protect every child’s future.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month marks 80 years of breaking barriers. What began in 1945 has grown into a nationwide movement driving inclusion, equity, and opportunity for people with disabilities—showcasing how advocacy, legislation, and innovation continue to transform the workplace.