As in-demand public speakers who travel the country delivering keynote addresses, John and Mark Cronin recently took their message of inclusion and empowerment to the nation’s capital. The co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks spent several days in Washington D.C. advocating for people with differing abilities.
Speakers Championing Inclusion on a National Stage
John, who has Down syndrome, and his father Mark have built more than just the world’s largest sock store. They’ve created a platform to show what people with differing abilities can achieve. Their success has given them a powerful voice, and they feel a strong responsibility to use it.
“It’s crucial to speak up for my colleagues and everyone with a differing ability,” John explains. This commitment to advocacy is at the core of their business and their public speaking engagements.
Sharing Knowledge at the Employment Summit
As members of the CEO Commission for Disability Employment, John and Mark participated in an important Employment Summit. They learned about new initiatives from various organizations and the federal government to boost employment for people with differing abilities.
The duo engaged with key figures like:
– Larysa Kautz from Melwood
– Assistant Secretary of Labor Taryn Williams
– Rylin Rodgers from Microsoft
– David Rice from the National Institute of Health
– David Egan, renowned author and speaker on Down syndrome
These conversations allowed John and Mark to gather fresh insights and explore potential collaborations to further their mission of promoting inclusive employment. Ohn was excitd to hear so many speakers cite his business as a role model.
Taking Their Message to Capitol Hill
John and Mark’s took their message of empowerment, and employment for all to Cpaitol Hill where they met with members of Congress and their staff. They focused on two crucial pieces of legislation:
1. Eliminating the outdated subminimum wage for people with disabilities
2. Raising the SSI asset levels to more reasonable amounts
Mark recently published an Op-Ed article on raising the SSI asset levels in both Newsday and the Long Island Business News.
“We bring credibility to these discussions,” Mark points out. “We’re not just talking about theories. We’re showing how hiring people with differing abilities has been key to our success. It’s not charity – it’s good business.”
Inspiring Change Through Public Speaking
When not advocating in Washington, John and Mark travel the country delivering powerful keynote speeches. They share their journey of turning a young man’s dream into a thriving, inclusive business. Their talks are known for:
– Inspiring audiences with their story of overcoming obstacles
– Demonstrating how true inclusion leads to business success
– Explaining the power of running a mission-driven company
Whether speaking to corporate giants like Microsoft and Moody’s or national universities like Rutgers, Vanderbilt and Texas A&M, John and Mark leave audiences energized and motivated to embrace inclusion.
Join the Movement
John and Mark’s recent trip to Washington D.C. is just one example of how they’re using their platform to create positive change. Through their business success, public speaking engagements, and advocacy work, they’re proving that inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s the smart thing to do.
Want to bring this inspiring message to your organization? Book John and Mark for a keynote that will have your audience laughing, reflecting, and ultimately cheering for a more inclusive world. You can visit their speaking website here or email them at speaking@johnscrazysocks.com.
