We had the good fortune of connecting with Joseph Spencer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joseph, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I grew up without parental supervision at a young age and because of that I made decisions that led me into a negative direction as a teenager. I always said if I had an adult in my life to guide me through all of the things I was secretly going through my outcomes would have been better.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I chose a career in Social work/human services because I figured there were tons of youth out there with little to no guidance. I chose to work with adolescents in my community then work in different capacities in residential with youth and adults in correctional settings. I read books to learn from successful people and eventually attended graduate school at Lincoln University where I received my masters degree in Human Services with a concentration in counseling. After College I became a family therapist and was promoted to Director of two clinics in Philadelphia. Pa. Today I work in State Government as a Social Worker. My path was long and hard. What I’ve learned is attitude is more important than facts. I created a 10 year plan and called it my blue print for success. I birthed Urban Scholar Gear back in 2007 while in graduate school and didn’t decide to launch it until 2017. Never give up on your dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being on the east coast I would take them to some great eateries in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia. I like to attend comedy shows and would go-to the Stress Factory for a show and maybe some theater in New York for a play.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I had a substitute teacher who took over our class when the main teacher took ill. He came in and taught us Black History which woke me up at the time. His name is Lester Voorhees he eventually became a Principal.

Website: www.urbanscholargear.com

Instagram: @urbanscholargear

Twitter: @urbanscholar

Facebook: @urbanscholarsgear

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/urbanscholargear

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