John and Mark X. Cronin joins John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast to share about John’s Crazy Socks and how its mission-driven movement shows the world what’s possible when we focus on inclusion, kindness and joy.
In 2018, John Cronin was a 22-year-old entrepreneur with Down syndrome who had a dream to create something life-changing, purposeful and filled with joy. Together with his father Mark, they turned that dream into the world’s largest sock store – John’s Crazy Socks. And yet, John’s Crazy Socks is more than just a business. It’s a mission-driven movement that employs individuals of all abilities and shows the world what’s possible when you focus on inclusion, kindness, and joy.
Today, John and Mark share how they bootstrapped their business into a multi-million dollar venture, advocate tirelessly for people with differing abilities and continue to spread happiness by giving back more than $750,000 to their charity partners.
My friends, you’ll walk away from this conversation with the reminder that small acts of love often make the biggest impact, and that sometimes, a simple pair of socks can change the world.
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SHOW NOTES:
- Similar to about 10 percent of people born with Down syndrome, John needed a risky intestinal bypass surgery on his third day of life, and like 50 percent of people with Down syndrome, needed a surgery to repair a significant heart defect.
- “Never be blinded by somebody’s limitations. Be awed by their possibilities.”
- Only one in five people with a disability are employed in the United States. Undeterred, John decided to create his own job by starting John’s Crazy Socks.
- On the first day John’s Crazy Socks was open, they got what felt like a flood of orders and John personally delivered those that were local. Nearly four years later, they’ve shipped more than 475,000 orders to 89 countries. Every single order has a thank you note from John and a sweet candy surprise.
- Today, each shipment of socks contains two lollipops: one for you and one for a friend.
- “We’re not going to chase transactions. We’re going to build relationships.”
- “I own the world of socks.” – John Cronin on his 4,000 different kinds of socks in their warehouse.
- A Sock Wrangler named Thomas went from being a depressed and secluded young man to an all-star employee with enough confidence to deliver a Best Man’s speech at his brother’s wedding.
- Pledging to give 5 percent of our earnings, John’s Crazy Socks have donated more than $800,000 to Special Olympics and other organizations.
- Snag your own pair of socks at John’s Crazy Socks!
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Ben and Amy Wright, founders of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee. As proud parents of four children—three with intellectual and developmental disabilities—they created a space where people with disabilities are valued and given the opportunity for meaningful work. Tune in to hear Ben and Amy Wright’s heartfelt journey, the source of their joy, and their empowering message about seeing perfection in life on ep. 85.
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About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.
JOHN AND MARK X. CRONIN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. John: Go, Dog Go by P.D. Eastman. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A.Mark X.: A certain recklessness.
- Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A.Nothing.
- Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A.John: My dad.
- Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A.Mark X.: Have conviction. Believe and follow through.
- Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A.Mark X.: There's a song by Robert Earl Keene called Corpus Christi Bay. I'll paraphrase it. "If I could go back and do it all over, how would I change?" And the answer was, "it wouldn't matter anyway, because I'd wind up doing the same things."
- Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. Mark X.: He tried. John: I want people to remember me for who I am. And as the author of the forthcoming book, John's Giant Book of Jokes.
