John Cronin, a 28-year-old entrepreneur with Down syndrome, founded John's Crazy Socks in 2016. The Farmingdale, New York-based company now sells more than 4,000 different types of socks and has reached a major milestone: over two million orders have been fulfilled. according to a report published Wednesday by the New York Post.
The socks offered range from holiday-oriented socks to Harry Potter socks. There are also special designs that raise awareness for Down syndrome and autism, as well as gift packages, such as a dog rescue gift for women that includes three different pairs of dog-themed socks.
Cronin, his parents Mark and Carol and his older brother Jamie run the company together. It has become the world's largest sock company, according to Post.
Cronin founded the company with a mission to “spread happiness.” He handwrites a thank you note and includes two free pieces of candy with every order. At the beginning of the company's history, he even personally delivered orders to customers. Over the past eight years, John's Crazy Socks has donated nearly $800,000 to charities including the Special Olympics.
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“Thank you to our customers,” Cronin said, according to the New York Post. “Thank you for helping my company.”
How John's Crazy Socks Began
Mark Cronin explained in an interview with Canvas Rebel last week that the business began when John was exploring his options after high school.
“John couldn’t find anything that excited him,” Mark said. “It’s an unfortunate reality that there simply aren’t enough good opportunities for people with diverse abilities.”
John wanted to open a business with his father and came up with the idea of selling socks. The father-son duo decided to create a website, get inventory and set up a Facebook page with some promotional videos featuring John. On the first day of their virtual storefront opening, December 9, 2016, 42 orders were received. Over the next two weeks, 452 orders were received.
“We didn’t know how fast it would grow, we didn’t know how big it would grow, but we knew we could make this business work,” Mark explained.
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John's Crazy Socks is based on five pillars: inspiration, giving back, fun products, personalization and creating a great place to work.
“We may not sell Target and Walmart, at least not yet, but we have more selection than anyone else,” Mark said. In addition, the company employs 34 people, including 22 people with different skills.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 22.5% of people with disabilities were employed last year.
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