How socks are spreading joy and empowering people with disabilities
John Cronin has built a multimillion-dollar business from his love of wild and crazy socks
By Colton Bradford • Published October 25, 2024 • Updated on October 25, 2024 at 8:31 pm
John Cronin, a man with Down syndrome, built a multimillion-dollar business from his love of wild and crazy socks.
John’s Crazy Socks began as a simple idea – to spread joy through vibrant sock designs. But it’s grown into something much more—a social enterprise that empowers individuals with disabilities.
It started as a mission for John Cronin, who has Down Syndrome. He wanted to charge perceptions and inspire others, but it wasn’t always easy.
“John couldn’t find work… and that unfortunately is the reality for people with different abilities,” said Mark Cronin, John’s father.
“People with disabilities or autism have the highest rate of unemployment and many of them have turned to creating their own business to provide themselves with a source of income,” said Tim Brown, chief innovation and strategy officer for Northeast Arc, a support organization for people with special needs.
According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only one in five people with a disability are employed. But John is focused on different numbers.
“Today we have over 4,000 different kinds of socks!” John said.