101 Driving Business Growth with Good, Old-Fashioned Love

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by: Fabian Saide

Last month I had the opportunity to attend Inc Monterrey, one of the largest events for entrepreneur growth and innovation in Mexico. While I was waiting for the next session on my schedule to begin, a session with John and Mark Cronin of Crazy Socks caught my eye.

Every consumer and entrepreneur on Earth seek happiness, but Mark Cronin and his son John have taken happiness to a whole new level in building their multi-million dollar venture with love. Their business model is simple, yet incredibly powerful. They don’t just sell socks. No, they sell happiness, inspiration and hope. It just happens to come with an awesome pair of socks!

Go-getter entrepreneurs we are, a fellow attendee asked what their magic was, presumably hoping to bottle it and feed their own budding business. Mark’s response hit me like a bolt of lighting: Magic is opportunities given.

Crazy Socks is a venture born and bred by John, a bright entrepreneur who just happens to have Down Syndrome. Together, John and Mark spread happiness by modeling inclusivity and equality in all aspects of their business. Every sock order comes with a handwritten note from John, a handful of candy, and a 5% donation to the Special Olympics. Through personalization and a true love of people, the Cronin boys really do spread happiness.

Where I expected to learn about technical innovation and profit growth, I learned perhaps the most valuable lesson of any business. Anyone can sell a product, but a true entrepreneur builds a business with heart.

This father and son entrepreneur duo taught me the most impressive and clear lesson I’ve ever heard in my lifetime as an entrepreneur: Believe in yourself and always lead with love.

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