This month marks “Developmental Disabilities Month,” a time when we get the opportunity to celebrate individuals in the IDD community and spread awareness for different initiatives in the community. In this blog post we will highlight a very inspiring story with the hopes of inspiring you to support and connect with this story.

Meet John Cronin, a 22-year-old entrepreneur with Down syndrome, defying expectations and breaking barriers.

In the fall of 2016, as John was navigating the transition from high school to the professional world, the limited career paths for individuals with Down syndrome left him uninspired. Determined to pursue a different path, he shared a dream with his father, Mark Cronin. He stated to his father, “I wanted to go into business with my father because I love my dad so much,.”

Together, they brainstormed ideas, initially considering a food truck venture inspired by the movie "Chef." However, fate had other plans. As they noticed the approaching World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, the idea of creating and selling socks with a unique design struck them. John's sketch featuring a purple sock adorned with hearts and "3-21" (symbolizing the triplication of the 21st chromosome causing Down syndrome) laid the foundation for what would become John's Crazy Socks.

The online store officially launched in December 2016, with John personally delivering orders wrapped in tissue paper and red boxes, accompanied by a thank-you note and candy. This personal touch, coupled with John's infectious enthusiasm, sparked a viral response on social media, propelling the business to unexpected heights.

John's Crazy Socks, beyond being a thriving business, is a social enterprise with a mission. The company employs individuals with differing abilities, providing jobs to 18 people with conditions such as autism and Down syndrome. Mark Cronin emphasizes the transformative impact employment has on the lives of these individuals, promoting self-esteem, purpose, and identity.

Currently boasting over 2,000 sock styles from 20 different suppliers, John's Crazy Socks has become a one-stop shop for sock enthusiasts. The charity and awareness socks, designed by John, contribute $2 from each sale to the company's charity partners. Furthermore, 5% of the earnings support the Special Olympics.

The Cronins are not merely entrepreneurs; they are advocates for changing mindsets around employing people with differing abilities. Their platform, which includes a substantial social media following, has been utilized to testify before the House Committee on Small Business and lobby for improved employment rights.

In just a few years, John's Crazy Socks has soared to remarkable heights, with projected revenues exceeding $6 million in the current year. From local deliveries to nationwide acclaim, their success is not just a testament to entrepreneurship but a powerful narrative challenging preconceived notions about individuals with developmental disabilities.

John, officially titled Chief Happiness Officer at the company, stands as a living testament to the possibilities that exist beyond societal expectations. As he joyfully dances in the parking lot at the end of each day, he encapsulates the essence of his message: "I have Down syndrome, but Down syndrome doesn't hold me back." Through their journey, the Cronins invite us all to reconsider the potential within every individual, fostering a world where abilities triumph over limitations.

(Source: CNBC October 23, 2018)

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