Spread happiness. That’s the socially-conscious mission behind John’s Crazy Socks, an online retailer based out of Huntington, N.Y., co-founded by John Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his dad, Mark.

And, boy, have they kicked their goals into high gear.

The duo have been featured on TODAY.com, the BBC and in Money Magazine, growing a small operation that delivered a few hundred pairs of socks when the business first launched in December 2016, to an enterprise that made over $1.7 million in revenue last year, with a percentage earmarked for charity partners such as the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, ACDS and Autism Speaks. A video from The Mighty featuring John's Crazy Socks has been viewed over 20 million times.

While the company’s rapid rise has been astounding, the Cronins remind us that what defines their accomplishments goes beyond the bottom line.

“We currently have 32 employees, 14 of whom have a disability,” says Mark. “That’s the main reason for our success. We want as many people as possible to see what we’re doing, so they know that you can take these ideals and make it the core of your business.”

Ready, Willing, Able

Mark’s message is a good one to remember as we recognize World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 (3/21 is symbolic of the extra copy of chromosome 21 that all people born with the genetic condition have, carried by 1 out of every 792 children). There are 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the U.S., and while many of them have medical issues at an early age — John underwent open heart surgery before he was three months old — they are fully capable of living healthy, happy, fulfilling lives as adults.

“There are good programs in schools now,” Mark says. “The next frontier is jobs. We have people who are healthy and educated, but then you have what we call ‘the 21 year-old cliff,’ which is when [people with Down syndrome] go out into the world and have trouble finding gainful employment.”

For those who want to make a difference, many nonprofits are dedicated to improving the lives of those living with this condition and helping them transition to the workplace as adults. You can start your giving journey with the charities listed under the company’s  “Awareness Socks,” and research the many impactful projects across world devoted to Down syndrome and other mental disabilities right here.

Want to take things a step further? Pay attention to the social media campaign #WhatIBringtoMyCommunity on World Down Syndrome Day and think about ideas for a fundraiser: The WDSD’s website has an A-Z list to begin your brainstorming session, and Global Giving provides tools to help put your thoughts into action.

But Mark wants all companies and entrepreneurs, whether in the for-profit or nonprofit world, to know that hiring people with disabilities is simply good for business.

“It’s a vast untapped pool of labor, ready, willing and able to work,” he says.

No Stopping John

There is perhaps no greater example of the tireless work ethic Mark alludes to than the younger Cronin, who at the age of 22, is the face of his company and drives much of the design strategy, including the new Autism Awareness Socks that were created based on a drawing of a superhero he made.

John spends his days coming to work with a smile on his face, passionate about what he does, working side-by-side with his father to build a brand and plan for the future, one that will include a media network featuring people with disabilities. The vision for the company is to blend both products and content that will inspire everyone.

“I can be creative,” says John. “This lets me be me. I never let Down syndrome hold me back.”