In the United States alone, millions of entrepreneurs exist. But none are as driven as John Cronin, a 22-year old with Down Syndrome. Together, John and has dad run an online business — John’s Crazy Socks. And it just celebrated a two-year anniversary. Here’s an Instagram photo of John.
Before reading more about John, look at these entrepreneurship posts:
- Can You Afford to Become an Entrepreneur?
- Advice from U.S. Entrepreneurs: Starting, Growing, Staying Inspired
- Skills That Entrepreneurs Need
- Can YOU Cut It as An Entrepreneur?
The Story of John’s Crazy Socks
“John’s Crazy Socks is a father-son venture inspired by co-founder John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome. With John’s affinity for crazy socks paired with his love of making people smile, our mission was clear. We want to spread happiness. Indeed, we have a social mission and a retail mission, and they are indivisible. And we want to show what is possible when you give someone a chance. Every day, we demonstrate what people with intellectual disabilities can do. And we believe in giving back: we donate 5 percent of our earnings to the Special Olympics as they’ve played a vital role in John’s development. Thus, we continue to expand our charity partners by offering and creating socks with specific ‘awareness’ themes, such as our Autism Awareness Socks and Down Syndrome Awareness Socks.”
Recently, CNBC did a story on John’s Crazy Socks. And it included the video shown below. In her report, Sarah Berger noted that:
In a small warehouse in Melville, New York — a town located on Long Island — dozens of shelves of neatly organized bins hold colorful socks featuring every playful print imaginable. There are socks featuring avocados; Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s face; socks that look like Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” painting; and socks with sloths. And yes, this is John Cronin’s multimillion-dollar sock business. Although Cronin is only 22 years old and he also has Down syndrome, a chromosomal condition with symptoms that include low muscle tone, small stature and an upward slant to the eyes, as well as cognitive delays, according to National Down Syndrome Society. For example, two dollars from every awareness sock sale are donated to the company’s charity partners and John’s Crazy Socks also donates 5 percent of its earnings to the Special Olympics.“
This company speaks so well for the opportunity that all individuals have the ability to create a business, with the right plan, and the right passion. I am really glad that Professor Evans used this company as an example in our Product Innovation & Planning Course this semester. As we all came up with our own product ideas and business plans, this kinds of inspiration helped move all of our ideas along. The “Can You Afford to Become an Entrepreneur” article, also sheds light on the need for the right plan to be successful. The understanding of raising capital, managing cash flows, spending money in a smart and efficient way, and learning to save where you can all helped us move along as well. Finally, looking at the big picture, including the finances but also the mission of our companies was what brought many of us to completing our plans. I hope to see more Entrepreneurs like John pop up in the near future. Their website, products and mission are a great example for everyone.
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John’s Crazy Socks is a beautiful company with great marketing and clear goals. Not every company can say that they donate five percent of their earnings while raising awareness towards Autism and Down syndrome. John’s Crazy Socks is truly an example of what every company should try to be, a business that has a clear social mission and one that donates towards a great cause. The business also provides amazing opportunities for people with special needs, as they hire half of their workforce with special needs employees. Anyone buying the socks knows their money is being well spent and is going back to a great organizations like the Special Olympics.
This is an amazing company that gives back to the community in a beautiful way. Stories like these show that entrepreneurship is still alive and well in the American society. This company’s social prerogative is clear and is benefiting the community by giving back to worthwhile organizations.
Johns Crazy Socks is located right near my dads office so I have always been so interested in it. I have always been in buddies club throughout high school and I love the story and mission behind this company. John is seriously doing something so amazing and proving so many points to people throughout the country. It is also super cool that this nationally known company started in our backyard.
Socks are only a normal daily stuff but John gives them special meaning. Sometimes life is boring and tedious, and you need something to make it colofor. Socks! John lets us know, you can have a good mood with just a pair of sock. Besides, the enterprise clture of this company shloud be learned by us. They try thier best to give back to society.
I love this! I think it is so important for people to see that having a disability does not mean you are unable to follow your dreams. Other companies should look up to John’s Socks because they also try their best to give back to other parts of society.
John’s Crazy Socks is an amazing venture because not only does it provide people with fun and creative socks, but it has a strong message that it sticks to. Donating to different organizations, like the Special Olympics, is so great, and as well as this, their message of showing that just because one has a missing chromosome, one is not very different from you or me! John’s Crazy Socks being a business that started in someone’s home and has developed and blossomed into such a beautiful, large company is absolutely fantastic! You can tell how much John truly cares about his coworkers/employees, his socks, and his customers!
John’s Crazy Socks is an amazing company that inspires other children and adults with disabilities, that they can still pursue their passions and be successful. John’s business also helps the community by donating a portion of the proceeds from every pair to the Special Olympics and having awareness themed socks. Johns socks bring people happiness, which is exactly what he wanted.
This is so cute !!! This company shows how anyone has the ability to create a business that prospers. Their marketing is very clear and it should set an example to other companies to give back to others! Most companies will only donate $1 for every purchase. For a sock company, I think that what they give back is amazing and not only are they making business but are also raising awareness.
I love the idea of supporting small businesses, and especially those businesses who give back to their community and can make a big impact. When shopping at these places I tend to spend more money because I want the money going back to the community than by supporting the major companies who do not need the money. The mission and drive for John’s Crazy Socks is such a sweet idea and it is amazing he was able to make a business for himself from combining his passions. Crazy socks are something everyone can enjoy and use, and will be a great gift for yourself or for others to share the mission and happinesses John has from being an entrepreneur.
First of all, congratulations on successful two years to John’s Crazy Socks! I really admire the mission of the business to raise awareness and spread positivity about intellectual disabilities. I think it is really important for the society to be aware, understand and give opportunities to people who have intellectual disabilities; John Cronin is such a great example of how much they could achieve. I also love the idea of the business; who doesn’t love fun socks!
“John’s Crazy Socks” is truly a company that should inspire others to follow their passion. John’s passion for socks motivated him to create an incredibly successful business, despite his disability. It is also amazing because of the support it offers to the disabled community, contributing 5% of the profits too The Special Olympics and rolling out awareness socks for the down syndrome and autistic communities. I hope that other entrepreneurs who read about his business will be inspired by his story, and learn that anyone can start a business.
It is encouraging to read about success stories of people with disabilities as they represent their entire consumer base. John is an inspiration and he does is truly moving. What speaks to me the most is that there are people out there who believe in him and his cause. When consumers purchase the socks, they not only become the part of the company but a part of a bigger cause. As a person who likes a good pair of socks, they tell a lot about a person and buying a pair of socks to support a cause displays compassion and sincerity towards society. I think that is a brilliant selling point for the company.
This is one of my favorite blog posts on here because I love reading these kind of stories. John is an inspiration to everyone and everything that he does is truly a blessing to hear. What I love to hear the most about this is that the company gives 5% to The Special Olympics and are giving out awareness socks to everyone in autistic communities. Giving back is always a great thing to hear . I hope other companies take note and come up with their own version similar to this.
John’s crazy socks has a very strong background which certainly attract buyers. It has a wonderful story and goals which will not leave anyone indifferent. However, I want to admit that the whole philosophy of the company will attract the workers too. Nowadays, we have a wide range for companies to work for. And the ethics can be the reason why accept or decline certain positions.
John’s Crazy Socks is a very dedicated, driven, and inspiring company. Not only do they send out a positive and warm message, but their goals and the fact that they give back to the Special Olympics by donating 5% of earnings is heartwarming. Also, John’s story is one that inspires many, including myself. It proves that you can do anything you set your mind to. All of these aspects definitely play a role in why consumers choose to buy as it generates nothing but happiness and helps everyone along the way.
It’s stories like this that remind people what the American dream is all about. A great idea and hard work can lead to amazing success for everyday individuals and the fact that John’s Crazy Socks gives back to the community makes it even better! Such an inspiring story and equally inspiring individual!