A Couple of Knuckleheads Spreading Happiness

John and Mark X. Cronin are a father-son team that founded John's Crazy Socks. John is an entrepreneur who just happens to have Down syndrome. You may know them for being named EY Entrepreneurs of the Year or testifying before Congress or speaking at the UN. You may know them because John became "Sock Buddies" with President George H.W. Bush. Or you may know them for having grown a bootstrapped start-up to a $5 million dollar business in less than three years.  John's Crazy Socks is an internationally recognized social enterprise with a mission to spread happiness and show what people with differing abilities can do.  Their mission infuses all aspects of their business. More than half of their employees have a differing ability. Their Giving Back Program starts with a 5 percent pledge of profits to the Special Olympics and has raised over $375,000 for their charity partners. They have attracted over 27,000 online five-star reviews. John's Crazy Socks has over 230,000 Facebook followers and 50,000 Instagram followers. You will love their socks, but the socks are just the physical manifestation of the happiness they share. Here's What We Cover in This Episode Test your ideas People have differing abilities, not disabilities Know your values Know your purpose 4 Pillars to build upon- inspiration and hope, giving back, socks you can love, making it personal John and Mark's Book Recommendation Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries Connect with John & Mark Website Facebook Twitter Instagram