Celebrating Ability. Empowering Possibility.
Abilities Rising is a constellation of ventures that share joy by what people with differing abilities can do—through business, storytelling, advocacy, and inclusion.
Abilities Rising is a purpose-driven enterprise that empowers people with differing abilities through business, employment, storytelling, and joy. Founded by John and Mark X. Cronin, we believe inclusion isn’t charity — it’s good business. From coaching families to building companies, we create opportunities that prove what’s possible when you believe in people, not limitations. At our heart is hope — and the unwavering belief that when people rise, we all rise.
Spreading hope and joy by showing what people with differing abilities can do.
A father-son dream that grew into a national movement — and a powerful proof of what's possible when you believe in people.
"This isn't the end – it's the foundation."
I have Down syndrome. Down syndrome never holds me back.
Hiring people with differing abilities is not altruism. It’s good business.
At Abilities Rising, we don't just highlight ability — we invest in it. We believe that when people are given the chance, they don't just participate — they lead.
Abilities Rising is more than a brand — it's a movement built on five interconnected pillars, each creating opportunity and driving impact.
Helping families build inclusive ventures and assisting businesses in creating employment for people with differing abilities.
Creating meaningful employment through joyful, mission-led businesses in the mode of John's Crazy Socks.
Raising awareness, influencing policy, and shifting perspectives through powerful stories and actionable insights.
Creating platforms for people with differing abilities to make their voices heard including publishing and podcasts.
Exploring new ways to rethink inclusion — from digital platforms to social franchising and scalable systems.
By turning personal stories into platforms, we've become leaders in the mission for a more inclusive world.
We don't just run businesses — we help others start their own. Our coaching programs will guide families in building ventures with and for individuals with differing abilities.
Our publishing arm exists to elevate the stories, perspectives, and talents of people with differing abilities, because representation matters.
We are starting with speaking, coaching and publishing. But there is more on the horizon:
An Online Gift Store Featuring Products Made by People with Differing Abilities
Purpose-driven products and services that create employment and joy.
Services for other businesses that solve their needs (kitting and assembly, scanning, etc.) while employing people with differing abilities.
Helping businesses that want to employ people with differing abilities.
Guiding organizations toward more inclusive practices.
Providing podcasting services to people with differing abilities can make their voices heard.
Giving voice to people with differing abilities through books and storytelling.
John and Mark X. Cronin are the father-son co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks and Abilities Rising. Together, they’re spreading happiness and redefining inclusion through joyful business, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. Their talks ignite change, celebrate ability, and show what’s possible when we lead with purpose and believe in everyone.
John Cronin is an award-winning entrepreneur, inspiring public speaker, and passionate advocate for people with differing abilities. Born with Down syndrome, John created his own path by co-founding John’s Crazy Socks with his father, Mark. What began as a small e-commerce store in 2016 has become a global brand spreading happiness, breaking barriers, and creating jobs.
John serves as Chief Happiness Officer and the heart of the brand. He’s also the co-founder of Abilities Rising, a movement-building venture that champions inclusion through storytelling, employment, and joyful business.
The first person with Down syndrome to receive the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award, John has shared his story with audiences around the world, including the United Nations, the U.S. Congress, and Fortune 500 companies. His powerful message is grounded in lived experience: inclusion isn’t charity — it’s possibility.
John’s talks blend humor, heart, and a deep belief in human potential. Whether giving a keynote, leading a warehouse tour, or dancing at his weekly Zoom parties, he reminds us that the most meaningful change often starts with joy.
He’s not just changing lives — he’s changing minds.
Mark X. Cronin is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, author, and strategist known for building impactful ventures at the intersection of business and social change. He is the co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks — a globally recognized, award-winning social enterprise — and Abilities Rising, a venture platform advancing disability inclusion through enterprise, coaching, and publishing.
With a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard and decades of experience in healthcare reform, corporate leadership, and policy advocacy, Mark has led large-scale systems change while remaining grounded in individual impact. His ventures have created hundreds of jobs, shipped to 91 countries, and donated over $800,000 to charity — proving inclusion isn’t a cost center, but a growth engine.
A two-time TEDx speaker and EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Mark is also a frequent guest on national media and published author. He delivers keynotes for Fortune 500 firms, universities, and social change organizations.
Mark’s leadership philosophy: blend values with results. He helps others see that businesses built with empathy and clarity outperform the status quo — and that inclusion is not only the right thing, but the smart thing.
Built on purpose, inclusion, and joy, this movement invites business leaders, parents, and advocates to be part of meaningful change. Book a talk, partner with us, sponsor a campaign, or share our story. Every step forward creates more opportunities for people with differing abilities. Let's rise together, and show what's possible.