At  John’s Crazy Socks, we often say that our co-founder, John Cronin, is a natural entrepreneur.  It’s not just a compliment,  it’s the truth. John leads with purpose, takes bold action, and inspires everyone around him to do the same. 

He also happens to have Down syndrome. But  that’s never been the point. John  doesn’t ask if the world is ready for him. He shows up. He creates. He leads. 

He Sees Possibility Where Others See Limits 

When John was finishing high school, he faced the same question many young adults do: What comes next? But unlike most of his classmates, John  didn’t see many options. That  didn’t stop him. 

He came to his dad and said, “Let’s start a business.” 

With that spark, John bootstrapped a company that has grown into the world’s largest sock store. 

He Acts First, Then Figures It Out 

Entrepreneurs are doers. They  don’t wait for perfect conditions—they create them. In our early days, we learned that people wear fun socks to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. But no one made a  sock specifically to honor that day. 

So, John designed one himself. 

That sock,  the first ever  Down Syndrome Awareness Sock,  remains a bestseller and supports  the National Down Syndrome Society and  ACDS  to this day. 

He  Doesn’t Wait for Permission 

John has always taken  initiative. Years before we started the business, he wanted his summer school to host a talent show.  So, he made a slideshow, pitched it to the principal, and rallied the whole school to join in. The result? A packed house and a celebration of everyone’s talents. 

That same spirit drives everything we do at John’s Crazy Socks. From creating new products to  launching our Warehouse Store,  John’s mindset reminds us to dream big and act boldly. 

He Leads with Gratitude 

John often says the keys to happiness are gratitude and doing for others. That belief shapes how we run this business.  It’s why we include a thank-you note in every order.  It’s why we donate to the  Special Olympics and other charities.  It’s why we host tours and events to show what people with differing abilities can do. 

Gratitude  isn’t something John talks  about,  it’s how he lives. 

He  Doesn’t Give Up 

Running a business  isn’t easy. There are roadblocks and setbacks. But John gets back up every time. Like the time we tried to fly to a speaking event in  Nashville, but every flight was cancelled. Most people would give up. 

Not John. 

He said, “Let’s make it a road trip.” And we drove through the night to arrive just in time. 

That resilience is part of our company culture. When things go wrong, we ask, “What would John do?” Then we  find a way. 

What We Can All Learn from John 

John’s story reminds us that entrepreneurship  isn’t  just about starting a business.  It’s about how we show up every day—with purpose, optimism, and the belief that we can make a difference. 

He  doesn’t follow trends;  he sets them. 

He doesn’t  wait to be included—he builds spaces where everyone belongs. 

And he  doesn’t talk about changing the  world,  he just does it. 

That’s why John is a natural entrepreneur  and why  we’re so proud to follow his lead. 

Want to bring John's entrepreneurial story to your audience? 

John and  his father Mark  speak at conferences, corporate events,  colleges and  universities, and nonprofits across North America.  They would love to share  their  journey  and inspire others to lead with heart, purpose, and inclusion. 

Learn more at  www.johnandmarkcronin.com  or reach out directly to Connie at  hello@tcaa.com  or call her at  570.906.4395