News

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.

John Cronin, co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks, proves every day that entrepreneurship is about purpose, creativity, and resilience. From launching the world’s largest sock store to designing the first Down Syndrome Awareness Sock, John leads with gratitude, optimism, and action. He doesn’t wait for permission—he builds spaces where everyone belongs and inspires others to do the same. His story is a powerful reminder that great businesses start with heart, not limits.

Discover how people with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) are using AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to boost independence, communication, and learning. In this inspiring post, John Cronin—co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks and an advocate with Down syndrome—shares how AI empowers him in daily life, from organizing his schedule to writing emails with confidence. Rather than replacing people, AI is opening doors to greater inclusion, productivity, and joy.

Our keynote at the Western Partnership Conferencebegan with a question once asked about John, born with Down syndrome—and ended with a standing ovation from 500 human services professionals.

We shared the journey of building John’s Crazy Socks, the power of inclusive employment, and practical tools for creating purpose-driven workplaces. It was more than a talk—it was a call to believe in what's possible.

During their recent trip to Boise, John and Mark X. Cronin of John’s Crazy Socksvisited Sweet Zola’s Candy Shop—a colorful, inclusive space that employs individuals with differing abilities. Founded by Cyndy Radovich, the shop is more than a candy store; it’s a place of purpose, community, and joy. Their visit was filled with inspiration, shared stories, and a mutual mission to spread happiness through meaningful work.