LONG ISLAND, N.Y., March 21, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Long Island Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EONY LI) is proud to name John Cronin, co-founder of local Huntington social enterprise John’s Crazy Socks, as their 2019 “Entrepreneur of the Year”. In a declaration to coincide with World Down Syndrome Day on Thursday, March 21st, EONY LI is proud to honor the 23-year-old entrepreneur that built a successful business out of viral social media exposure who also happens to have Down Syndrome.
“I am so excited to receive this honor,” said John Cronin, 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year. “Every day, I work to show what is possible. I have Down syndrome, but Down syndrome never holds me back.”
A local social sock business operating out of Long Island, John’s Crazy Socks employs people with differing abilities (those diagnosed with a physical, developmental, neurological, mental health, or other impairment) and has made Giving Back a core part of its business. As a co-founder and the Chief Happiness Officer, John does a little of everything at John’s Crazy Socks but is most notably the face of the brand - giving tours, meeting with visitors, and making his infamous social media videos. He ensures every order feels personal - each pair of socks shipped includes a handwritten thank you note, pieces of candy, and discount coupons for future orders. John’s main inspiration and reason for starting the business is to spread happiness.
“John is an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere. He took his passions and created a successful and impactful business – inspiring others with differing abilities to find purpose in their lives – and this is why we have chosen him as our 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year,” stated Stephen Distante, Entrepreneurs’ Organization NY Long Island Chapter President.
Since the founding of John’s Crazy Socks in fall of 2016, John and his team have built a $5 million-dollar sock empire. Staying true to their core values, they have given over $250,000 away to charities such as the National Down Syndrome Society, Autism Speaks and the Special Olympics, where John is also an Olympic athlete, competing in soccer, basketball, track and field and snowshoe. EONY LI celebrates John for his ability to start and maintain a profitable enterprise while aligning his business practices with his values.
As a public persona, John has toured throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to spread happiness through speaking engagements and television appearances with his co-founder and father, Mark X. Cronin. They not only extol the virtues, beauty and wonders of socks, but also advocate for meaningful employment and work experiences for those with differing abilities. Both John and his father has testified twice before U.S. Congress and travels to Capitol Hill often to promote the rights of people with differing abilities. Using his socks as an advocacy tool, John forged a long-distance friendship with the late President George H.W. Bush who also championed differing abilities through his 1990 signature legislation The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
About Entrepreneurs’ Organization NY Long Island
The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) is a Global business network of 13,000+ leading entrepreneurs in 186 chapters and 58 countries. Founded in 1987 by a group of young entrepreneurs, EO enables business owners to learn from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life.
