In an especially apt holiday season story, a Long Island man with Down syndrome proved nothing can stop his dreams. The man in question, John Cronin, 28, has built a business out of one of his true passions in life and enriched his community in the process.
Cronin co-founded the Farmingdale-based John’s Crazy Socks in 2016 with his family because of his love of wacky socks and has since become a hosiery mogul, selling upward of two million orders with 4,000 designs and donating nearly $800,000 to charities.
John’s Crazy Socks is now an unprecedentedly successful online retailer and a beacon for inclusivity everywhere. The company hires many differently abled individuals and makes socks specifically geared toward accommodating and representing those with unique needs, including socks that honor Down syndrome and autism awareness.
“I’ve got a very meaningful job here,” Cronin says proudly.
The Success of Crazy Socks
Since hitting it big in the stocking market, Cronin has had many honors, such as being invited to speak to Congress and the United Nations on behalf of those with differing abilities. His success story has made him a public figure and motivational icon. The local entrepreneur, who often travels for speaking engagements, even developed a friendship with the late President George H.W. Bush, in which the two ‘pen pals’ would send each other socks of different colors, shapes, and varieties.
He said Cronin, a Huntington resident and former Special Olympian, began his enterprise after struggling to find a job after high school. The young man approached his family and insisted they start a sock company because he would collect wacky socks while on vacation. In this way, Cronin’s success story underlines the severe lack of opportunities for differently abled individuals in the job market and is a stark tribute to his willpower.
Through dedication, hard work, and the loving support of his family, Cronin built a business in which he could truly feel at home and fulfilled in his work. He now runs the business with his parents, Mark and Carol, and his older brother, Jamie.
“I know how fun it is, and I wanted to share that. I couldn’t be the only one who wanted to buy them,” Cronin shared.
The Variety of Crazy Socks
Orders range from prints raising awareness for causes such as Down syndrome and autism to socks celebrating different holidays and snacks. They also sell crowd favorites with Harry Potter and SpongeBob themes. Cronin wears many hats in his role and does whatever the company needs. He also created a unique Down syndrome awareness sock, among other designs. Early success came as he stole the show and hearts of customers. Initially, Cronin would often hand-deliver socks.
“John would walk up to a house and be invited in for ten minutes,” his mother Carol, 66, who handles bulk orders, told The Post. “One time, he even came back with a $10 tip.”
Now servicing 89 nations, each fulfillment still gets a personal touch by being packed with a special note and candy. Cronin is known professionally as the brand’s “chief happiness officer.”
Making Room for All
Cronin felt it was essential to hire differently abled employees. His brother Jamie commends their staff’s work ethic. As the business grew, so did Cronin’s mission. He made it a pillar objective to give employment opportunities to others with differing abilities. Cronin personally knows how hard it can be to land a job.
“I couldn’t do it without them,” Cronin said. “They work so hard, and they make it possible to show [what people like us can do].”
Cronin’s brother Jamie, 31, oversees the warehouse personnel. It is currently at 35 for the busy holiday season. He quickly recognized that staff is held to the same standard and task intensity as anyone else.
“It’s fulfilling to me,” Cronin concludes. “The people here are wonderful.”
