Alan Spooner didn't grow up building timber frames. He grew up on a rural Massachusetts farm with a strong work ethic as part of his familial heritage. As a natural part of farm life, Alan developed a variety of skill sets and became adept at working with his hands in multiple disciplines. Rounding out high school at a technical school, Alan started his professional life as a welder which eventually transitioned into a love of carpentry and working with wood. This was a natural evolution because of his genuine love of trees and forests. From general carpentry and home building working for others, he began working for himself and was first introduced to timber framing approximately 30 years ago. Following completion of his first few frames, he found his passion.

Alan completed a frame for a local ski resort using the "Cruck Frame" technique, which is characterized by two curved timbers that support the roof, resulting in an A-Frame structure. The crew commented that this project was his "baby" and he responded that he must be "the father," so he adopted this moniker and the Cruckfather was born. Many years later, The Cruckfather has many other impressive projects under its collective belt and under Alan's guidance and tutelage, a new generation of timber frame enthusiasts are being fostered.