12/10/2025
Read this inspiring story!
John Cronin Named to Forbes 30 Under 30!
I’m thrilled to share something extraordinary:
My son and business partner, John Cronin, has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2026 in Social Impact.
He is officially the first person with Down syndrome ever to receive this honor.
This isn’t just a proud Dad moment, it’s a milestone for disability leadership, inclusive entrepreneurship, and the belief that ability is something we should expand, not limit.
Here are just some of the reasons John earned this recognition:
-Co-founded John’s Crazy Socks, a social enterprise with a mission to spread happiness.
-Created dozens of jobs, most held by people with differing abilities.
-Donated over $800,000 to the Special Olympics New York , the National Down Syndrome Society, and other partners.
-Co-founded Abilities Rising , a disability-owned family of ventures focused on publishing, coaching, workplace inclusion, and mission-driven e-commerce.
-Launched Abilities Rising Publishing, giving voice to authors with differing abilities and sharing stories that change expectations.
John sees this award as fuel, energizing him and enabling him to reach more people to champion inclusive hiring, disability-owned businesses, and entrepreneurship as a path for families like ours.
I’m proud of the work we did at John’s Crazy Socks and even more excited about what we’re building now with Abilities Rising.
We’ll keep traveling the country delivering keynotes, workshops, and coaching that show one simple truth: When you give people a chance, they rise.
Please join me in congratulating John. This honor belongs to him, but the impact belongs to everyone who believes in what people with differing abilities can achieve.