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 callherat 570.906.4395
