John and I had the privilege of speaking with the HEART Connections group at Healthfirst, a managed care organization that serves the New York area. It turned into one of those moments that remind me why we do what we do. 

We shared our story — how John and I started John’s Crazy Socks with a simple mission: to spread happiness. We spoke about overcoming obstacles to fulfill dreams, about what happens when you focus on what people can do rather than what they cannot. 

One of the themes we touched on was the real business value of employing people with differing abilities. I told them what I have seen firsthand: hiring people with differing abilities is not altruism, it is good business. When businesses struggle to find enough qualified workers, especially for entry-level and warehouse positions, they often overlook a deep and loyal talent pool. We have filled warehouse jobs with colleagues who are excited to work, who show up every day ready to do a great job, and who lift up the entire workplace with their commitment and care. The results are clear — better productivity, stronger retention, and a more positive workplace culture. 

John offered heartfelt advice that only he can give: “Follow your heart. Follow your dream. Work hard. Show what you can do.” Those are not just words for John — they are the way he lives every day. 

The response from the Healthfirst team was overwhelming. During the Q&A, instead of asking a lot of questions, people shared their reactions and reflections. One woman said, “Every HR department in America needs to hear you speak.” That stopped me in my tracks. It is a big goal, but she might be right — every HR department, every hiring manager, every leader needs to hear the message that inclusion is not charity, it is strength. 

The chat comments said it all: 

• “Awesome, wow.” 

• “Love this, giving purpose and they are delivering with pride.” 

• “I am buying all future presents from John’s Crazy Socks.” 

• “Happiness has certainly been spread!” 

• “This is a presentation EVERYONE needs to hear.” 

These messages stayed with John and me long after the session ended. They remind us that sharing our story can spark change. They remind us that there are many people out there who want to build more inclusive workplaces but might not know where to start. 

If you are looking for a way to inspire your team, your employee group, or your whole company, we would love to join you. We do not just talk about change — we show what it looks like in action. We are building businesses where everyone has a role, a purpose, and a chance to shine. We can help you do the same. 

Because when we focus on abilities, we unlock so much more than skills — we unlock dreams, loyalty, innovation, and yes, a whole lot of happiness. 

Keynote and Event Speakers 

John and Mark X. Cronin are frequent speakers at conferences and corporate events. They share their entrepreneurial story of how a young man with Down syndrome together with his father created the world’s largest sock store with a mission to spread happiness. Their speaking engagements bring laughter, tears and inspire people to see what is possible for each of us to achieve. They have spoken in person at events across Canada, the United States and Mexico and at virtual events around the world. They have spoken at events for Microsoft, EY, Bank of America, the Special Olympics, and the National Down Syndrome Society, among others.  

Their advocacy work has seen the Cronins testify twice before Congress and speak at the United Nations on two occasions. Their work has been featured on many national news shows. They are winners of many awards including the EY Entrepreneurs of the Year. They serve on the CEO Commission for Disability Employment and the Neurodiversity at Work Business Roundtable.  

John and Mark recorded their second TEDx Talk entitled, “Hiring People with People with Differing Abilities is Not Altruism, It Is Good Business.” That talk is available on YouTube and the TED platform. Their first TEDx Talk entitled Differently Abled People Want to Help Us is also available on YouTube and the TED platform.  

If you would like John and Mark to speak at your event, please visit the speaker’s page at our website or email us at Booking@jmspeak.com.