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Young Man With Down Syndrome Starts Million Dollar Company, Spreads Happiness Through Socks

February 10, 2018

A young man with Down Syndrome has started a million dollar company whose mission is to spread happiness through socks.

Meet John Lee Cronin.

John's Crazy Socks / Facebook

John, 21, has always loved socks that speak to his mood and personality. After high school, he knew he wanted to start a business with his dad, so, he decided to turn his love of socks into a career.

In December of 2016, John and his father Mark launched an online store named John's Crazy Socks.

"We seek those socks that will make a difference, that will make you smile or laugh, that will tug at your heart, that will add some zest to your life," the website states. "We are all about socks that will matter to you, that you will love and cherish."

John's Crazy Socks is what's called a pick-and-pack warehouse, which means they distribute socks made by other companies.

John's Crazy Socks / Facebook

In a little over a year, John's Crazy Socks has shipped more than 42,000 orders and brought in nearly $2 million in revenue. They currently offer 1,500 different kinds of socks.

Mark believes the company has been successful because it focuses on three main principles:

1. Provide hope and inspiration
2. Give back
3. Excellent customer service

"We hire people with disabilities. (It shows) here's what people with disabilities can do if you give them a chance,” Mark told Today.

John's Crazy Socks also donates 5 percent of its profits to the Special Olympics. John himself is a Special Olympics athlete.

And last but not least, they ship each order with love.

"Every package gets a thank you note from me," John said.

"We treat people the way we want to be treated. That means pay attention, treat people with respect and dignity, be transparent and honest. We want to be of service to others. The better we treat you, the better we serve you, the more successful our business will be."

Watch John and Mark discuss their plans for John's upcoming birthday in the video below!