Tell us more about who you all are and what you do?
I’m Aaron, born and raised in Detroit, MI. I’m a Senior Data Engineer with over 10 years of experience in the IT function. My technical background spans coding languages like SQL, Python, and JavaScript, and I hold a B.S. in Information Systems Management and an MBA in Logistics & Supply Chain from Wayne State University. Beyond my engineering work, I run a publishing and retail company, ALS Retail LLC. I recently published my debut children’s book, Imagine Dad, dedicated to my son Drew which speaks to shifting the narrative around fatherhood. Writing allows me to explore creativity and share meaningful stories that inspire imagination.
What inspired you to write your Imagine Dad book?
I never imagined becoming an author—especially a children’s book author—though my college professors often told me I had a knack for writing. The inspiration for Imagine Dad originally stemmed from a practical need: I was searching for a new home and found myself consistently outbid, even when offering $20,000–$30,000 over the asking price. I realized that having additional income would make the process easier, so I began exploring ways to generate more revenue.
At the time, I had been helping a friend, Endeah Canty—a Michigan-based author—with her book-related business. I reached out and asked if she was serious about helping me write my own book. She said yes, and as we brainstormed ideas, I initially had no clue what I wanted to write about. About 40 minutes into our conversation, the idea of reshaping the narrative around fatherhood—particularly Black fatherhood—came to mind. That spark led to Imagine Dad, my creative way of celebrating and shifting perspectives on fatherhood.
What does Fatherhood mean to you?
To me, fatherhood is multifaceted—complex, challenging, and deeply rewarding. It requires unwavering dedication, selflessness, and the willingness to show up every day, even when it’s tough. It’s about striving to be the best version of yourself, practicing patience, being fully present, and making sacrifices—giving your all and then some for your child(ren).
Tell us more about who you are as a Father to your kids?
I’m an adventurous and active dad who loves to travel, stay engaged, and embrace new experiences—and that energy naturally carries over into my parenting. My son has even picked up on it, often asking, “What are we doing, Daddy?” because he knows we’re always up to something exciting.
I believe in creating meaningful experiences for him—opportunities I never had as a child—so that when he looks back, he can say he did everything a kid could dream of. At the same time, I strive to provide a balanced environment that is fun, structured, and nurturing, where he can grow, thrive, and develop the discipline and confidence to be successful.
Were any traits of the “Ideal Dad” based on who you are as a Father?
Not necessarily. I aimed to remain neutral and write from a non-personal perspective, focusing on what I believe an Ideal Dad could be rather than modeling him after myself. The goal was to highlight the diversity of fatherhood—showing that dads come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique traits and characteristics.
Out of all the traits, what is one trait EVERY dad needs when raising their children?
Good question, in my personal opinion, I believe that every dad NEEDS to have patience.
What are three takeaways you’d like readers to get from your book?
I want parents and children to share laughter, enjoy the vibrant illustrations, and, most importantly, develop a deeper appreciation for dads through this playful and creative story.
Growing up, did you witness an ideal dad? What was your relationship with your father and how did that impact you?
I wouldn’t say I had an ideal dad in the traditional sense, but my dad was always extremely caring. No matter what he may have lacked—financially or otherwise—there was never a doubt that he loved and cared for his kids. That unwavering care meant everything. It wasn’t perfect, but in its own way, it turned out just right in giving me everything I needed to be successful today and attempting to be the best father I can be to my own son.
How has the role of Fatherhood changed from when you were growing up to where we are today?
Growing up, my relationship with my dad was good—we spent weekends and parts of the summer with him. He was a laid-back parent, except when it came to discipline, which usually meant sitting through long conversations rather than harsh punishments.
Today, our relationship is stronger than ever. Now that my brothers and I are grown, our bond with our dad has evolved into a genuine friendship—we treat him like one of the guys. I truly appreciate how our relationship has grown and am grateful for the love and support he provided throughout my childhood.
How/why important is it for black fathers to be represented in the media?
It is very important because dads come in all shapes and sizes. Yet they’re often seen through a narrow lens, especially black fathers. Too often, society reduces dads to just financial providers or gives them an unfair reputation. So having positive representation in media is critical for us as black people to change the narrative of black fatherhood.
Tell people what’s next for you, how they can follow you, etc?
Right now, my focus is on expanding the reach of Imagine Dad while also developing new products inspired by its artwork, such as sticker packs, keychains, and more. Ultimately, my dream is to bring this story to life through animation with a major production studio like Pixar or DreamWorks. Imagine Dad is just the beginning—I plan to develop it into a series with a unique and compelling narrative that I believe would translate beautifully to film.
For those who want to follow my journey, you can connect with me on:
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Facebook: @Aaron Spencer
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Instagram/Threads: @aspeez___
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Business Page (ALS Retail): @alsretail on Instagram/Threads, ALS Retail LLC on Facebook
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Goodreads: Aaron Spencer (for all the book lovers out there!)
Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!
How can people purchase the book?
Imagine Dad is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play Store, Apple Books, and more! Grab a copy for yourself or a loved one—it’s a heartwarming story with a meaningful message.
Dream Big, Imagine Bigger!
