At John’s Crazy Socks, we don’t just hire people — we honor their achievements. For many of our colleagues, this is their very first job. That matters. And we believe every first deserves a celebration.

Welcoming New Hires with Heart

Starting a new job should feel like a victory — especially when it’s your first. That’s why we’ve created two joyful, heartfelt traditions to welcome new employees:

• Business Card Presentations
• First Paycheck Ceremonies

These moments are simple. They cost nothing. But they send a powerful message: You belong here. Your work matters. And we’re fortunate that you joined our team.

Why Business Cards Still Matter

As part of our onboarding process, each new colleague receives a welcome package filled with John’s Crazy Socks swag. But the real star is something that might surprise you: a set of business cards.

Business cards may feel old-fashioned, but to us, they’re a powerful symbol of pride and professionalism. Every card we give out says, “You’re a vital part of this business.”

Each card even includes a custom discount code, so new team members can share the excitement over their new job with family and friends. It turns every employee into a brand ambassador.

And we don’t just hand over the box. We gather the team for a formal presentation. Because landing a job is a big deal. And joining our mission-driven business? That’s worth celebrating.

The Power of a First Paycheck

Many of our colleagues are earning a paycheck for the first time in their lives. That first check represents so much more than money: it’s a symbol of purpose, independence, and contribution they can make to society.

We make it a moment to remember. Even though many opt for direct deposit later, we ensure the first paycheck is a physical, paper check. Then we gather the team and present it in a group celebration.

What Difference Does a Paycheck Make?

Take Andrew, one of our Sock Wranglers. Before working with us, he received government benefits and didn’t think much about spending money. But after his first paycheck? Everything changed. Andrew knows exactly when he will be paid and exactly how much. He has his mother drive him to the bank to deposit the check (he still prefers paper over direct deposit). Andrew knows exactly what he will do with the money he earned, including new kicks and a special Christmas gift for his mother.

That’s the power of earned income. It transforms how people see themselves and how they see their future.

Celebrating Ability, Not Disability

We don’t lower our standards when hiring. We raise our expectations and consistently find that many of the best candidates happen to have a disability.

At John’s Crazy Socks, more than half of our team members have a differing ability. They’re not here because of charity. We don’t give out jobs. Everyone who works here has earned that job. And we expect a lot from them and from ourselves.

We pick, pack, and ship every order from our own warehouse. Same-day shipping is our standard. Our error rate is just 0.2%. We do better shipping than Amazon and Jeff Bezos is not putting a thank you note and candy in every package the way John does.

When we take a moment to celebrate a new hire, we’re not being sentimental. We’re recognizing excellence. We’re reinforcing purpose. We’re building culture from the inside out.

Rituals That Build Culture

We have fun — Bagel Tuesdays, Staff Lunch Friday, bowling nights, and the occasional spontaneous dance party. But make no mistake: we’re a serious business with a serious mission.

These small rituals — the business cards, the first paycheck ceremony — they anchor our culture. They remind every person that they matter. That they’re part of something bigger.

“When I saw my name on a business card, I couldn’t stop smiling. It made me feel like I truly belong.” That’s what Eddie told us after receiving his first paycheck. And his parents told us how Eddie couldn’t stop telling people about his paycheck.

What About You?

How do you celebrate new hires? What rituals do you use to build a sense of purpose at work?

We’d love to hear your ideas — and if you’re looking to make your workplace more inclusive, joyful, and impactful, we’d love to help.

Ready to Inspire Your Workplace?

John and Mark X. Cronin speak to HR leaders, educators, business owners, and organizations that want to build more inclusive and purpose-driven cultures. Their message? Inclusion works. Joy is strategic. And every person deserves to feel proud of their work.

✅ Book John and Mark to Speak at Your Event
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Let’s spread some happiness — and celebrate what’s possible when everyone is included.