John Craig Going Strong Through Corona

Many people leave a legacy. Ever heard of John Craig? You may know that name from Park Avenue in Winter Park. Today Craig DeLongy owns two stores on the Avenue which provide the highest quality male clothing to buyers in the Florida area, and the world. He currently owns seven stores across the state of Florida. He got into the business after starting several sports stores in the mid-1990s but gradually gravitated towards clothing. Though he did not know his grandfather as intimately as you might think, he wrote a book along with other family members about his past. However, this past was mainly fictional. Nonetheless, it followed historical lines that his grandfather might have followed. In honor of his grandfather‘s past he set about naming his new business after him: John Craig. As to the COVID-19 pandemic, Craig says he isn't worried about his business but more so health: “It’s very serious but some of the restrictions have gone too far... When we came in Monday we scoured this place and we scrubbed everything on Sunday and we were ready to open Monday... We have been doing very good business since we opened back up but not like before.

By Christmas I think our losses will tapper down and profits will increase over time.” We asked Craig about business on the Avenue and he said that the community seems to be working together to support each other and that he likes the community cohesiveness in Winter Park: “There’s a lot of businesses that still remained closed but through social media and friends people still do business and remain connected.” Though President Trump and Governor Ron Desantis have been criticized by the main stream media for their efforts in the pandemic, Craig gave a different perspective: "I have zero problem with either one. I think they’ve done a beautiful job. Everyone knows President Trump will say the wrong things at the wrong time. If the Congress hadn’t been so hellbent on impeaching this president in January they could have tackled it. As far as DeSantis I think he inherited this mess of unemployment and he’s doing the best he can.” His most important business investment he says is his people and his customers: “the two biggest assets I have are my people and my incredible customers.” His most important virtue? “Putting customers first!”