Join us as we dive deep into the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), exploring real-world challenges and practical strategies to improve the quality, ethics, and sustainability of ABA services. Hosted by April & Stephen, the team behind 3 Pie Squared, each episode brings actionable insights for practice owners, clinicians, and leaders in the field—whether you’re just getting started or scaling your business.
Expect candid conversations, expert interviews, and honest advice about supervision, billing, hiring, training, compliance, and more. Our goal? To help you build an ABA practice that serves clients ethically and effectively—while supporting your team and growing your business with purpose.
🔗 Learn more about our courses, handbooks, and consulting services at www.3piesquared.com.
Join us as we dive deep into the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), exploring real-world challenges and practical strategies to improve the quality, ethics, and sustainability of ABA services. Hosted by April & Stephen, the team behind 3 Pie Squared, each episode brings actionable insights for practice owners, clinicians, and leaders in the field—whether you’re just getting started or scaling your business.
Expect candid conversations, expert interviews, and honest advice about supervision, billing, hiring, training, compliance, and more. Our goal? To help you build an ABA practice that serves clients ethically and effectively—while supporting your team and growing your business with purpose.
🔗 Learn more about our courses, handbooks, and consulting services at www.3piesquared.com.
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosted by Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared, the conversation focuses on one of the most overlooked elements of long-term success in an ABA business: exit planning. Drawing from their experience building, scaling, and exiting a seven-figure ABA practice, Stephen and April explain why your exit strategy should be considered from day one, not as an afterthought.
Throughout the episode, Stephen and April break down how exit planning directly impacts financial security, operational decision-making, and business scalability. They also share personal stories about how defining your “why” as a founder can make it significantly easier to shape a clear and intentional exit strategy.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
This episode is essential listening for ABA business owners who want to build with intention, reduce uncertainty, and maximize the long-term value of their practice.
This episode is sponsored by MarginKeepers, a full-service accounting firm that specializes in supporting ABA businesses:
https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers
Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
Resources & Links
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
Schedule a consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared break down what it really takes to create a healthy, sustainable company culture while supporting staff at every stage of an ABA practice’s growth.
Drawing on their experience building, scaling, and exiting a seven-figure ABA organization, Stephen and April share practical guidance for founders and leaders who want to align values with business realities, course-correct when needed, and intentionally shape the workplace experiences of their teams. Joined by Cortney and Chris of Keene Perspectives, the conversation explores hiring, retention, leadership responsibility, and the long-term impact ABA business owners have on their staff, many of whom are entering the workforce for the first time.
This episode is especially valuable for startup owners, growing practices, and established leaders navigating team dynamics, post-COVID culture shifts, and the balance between mission-driven work and operational sustainability.
Episode Highlights
Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
Resources & Links
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
Schedule a Consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared break down one of the most misunderstood and operationally critical areas of running an ABA practice: insurance processes.
From claim denials to prior authorizations, insurance workflows can either support growth or quietly stall it.
Stephen and April walk through the core insurance systems every ABA business owner needs to understand, especially in the early stages, and explain why even experienced providers can run into costly mistakes.
They are joined by insights from Sagar Jajoo of SILNA, who shares real-world data on where providers most often run into trouble and how strong insurance workflows can support scalability and long-term stability. The conversation highlights why most claim denials stem from front-end issues like benefit checks and authorizations, not clinical documentation, and why relying on inconsistent or manual tracking systems can quickly become a liability as your practice grows.
Stephen and April also discuss how insurance processes evolve over time, what new owners typically underestimate, and why predictable, well-documented workflows matter not just for growth, but also when preparing to exit or sell a practice. If you want to scale responsibly, improve cash flow, and reduce administrative headaches, this episode lays out what to focus on and what to fix first.
Get started with SILNA today: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/silna
Key Takeaways
📞 Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
📚 Resources & Links
🧾 Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
💼 Schedule a consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
🧠 Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
💳 ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
🎧 ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
Back to Basics: Financial Planning for Your ABA Business
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April sit down with Shep from Live Oak Bank to simplify the world of ABA Finance, ABA funding, and smart financial planning for your ABA practice. Whether you are launching a new clinic or expanding your services, this conversation helps you understand how banks evaluate your business and what you need to secure the right bank loans.
Shep explains how Live Oak partners with ABA providers, why accurate financial planning matters from day one, and what lenders look for when assessing SBA loans. He also highlights the difference between a loan and a line of credit, and the early financial challenges most ABA practices underestimate.
The episode covers what makes an ABA startup loan-ready, how business plans influence approval, and when it may be possible to borrow without personal guarantees. Shep also touches on choosing the right real estate options and avoiding unnecessary financial strain as you grow.
Whether you are preparing to open your first location or planning long-term expansion, this episode provides clear guidance on strengthening your financial foundation.
Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
Resources & Links
ABA Business Leaders Podcast — Hosted by Stephen Smith & Johanna Eddy
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and Johanna Eddy break down one of the most challenging (but most important) parts of running an ABA practice: finance. Whether you’re a new ABA provider or operating an established ABA organization, this conversation walks you through the key financial systems that keep an ABA business stable, compliant, and ready for growth.
Key Takeaways
✔ Accurate Bookkeeping Is Non-Negotiable
Before you can plan, grow, or even file taxes properly, you need clean, consistent books. Stephen and Johanna discuss why accurate bookkeeping is the backbone of every financial decision an ABA owner makes.
✔ Know Your Tax Structure
Your entity type determines how you’re taxed — and potentially how much you owe. The hosts break down common structures, what deductions business owners typically overlook, and how health insurance affects tax planning.
✔ Quarterly Taxes Don’t Have to Be Confusing
Johanna explains how quarterly payments work, common misconceptions, and strategies for staying ahead of unexpected tax bills.
Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
Resources
🎧 Podcast CEU’s: ABA Business Leaders Podcast — Hosted by Stephen Smith & Johanna Eddy
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and Johanna Eddy break down one of the most challenging (but most important) parts of running an ABA practice: finance. Whether you’re a new ABA provider or operating an established ABA organization, this conversation walks you through the key financial systems that keep an ABA business stable, compliant, and ready for growth.
Key Takeaways
✔ Accurate Bookkeeping Is Non-Negotiable
Before you can plan, grow, or even file taxes properly, you need clean, consistent books. Stephen and Johanna discuss why accurate bookkeeping is the backbone of every financial decision an ABA owner makes.
✔ Know Your Tax Structure
Your entity type determines how you’re taxed — and potentially how much you owe. The hosts break down common structures, what deductions business owners typically overlook, and how health insurance affects tax planning.
✔ Quarterly Taxes Don’t Have to Be Confusing
Johanna explains how quarterly payments work, common misconceptions, and strategies for staying ahead of unexpected tax bills.
Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
Resources
🎧 Podcast CEU’s:
👉 ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEU’s
🧾 Check your business readiness:
👉 ABA Business Readiness Assessment
Learn more about MarginKeepers: Visit MarginKeepers
Back to Basics: Building Relationships That Last
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts April and Stephen Smith explore one of the most important parts of growing a healthy ABA business: the people you bring into it. They dig into hiring, leadership, mentorship, and the communication habits that help an ABA therapy organization run smoothly over the long term.
Whether you're in the early stages of building your ABA team or preparing to step back from daily operations, this episode gives you a clearer picture of how strong relationships and intentional hiring can shape the future of your business.
Key Takeaways
Hiring Should Push You Outside Your Comfort Zone
April opens up about how ego sometimes gets in the way of the hiring process. ABA business owners often avoid hiring someone who might outperform them, but growth happens when you surround yourself with people who strengthen your weaknesses. She uses a “mom friend” analogy to show the value of having support from people at different stages of the journey.
Different Thinkers Make Better ABA Teams
Stephen and April talk about the importance of hiring people who think differently. When you intentionally build a diverse team, you bring in new ideas, new angles, and more well-rounded decision-making. For ABA organizations trying to grow sustainably, these differences lead to stronger outcomes for both staff and clients.
Your Values Should Guide Every Hiring Decision
Stephen emphasizes that hiring becomes much harder when you don’t have a clear vision for your ABA business. Your long-term goals should show up in your job postings, interview questions, and onboarding. When your values are clear, you attract the right people from the start.
Onboarding Is a Two-Way Learning Experience
Onboarding isn’t just training. It’s a chance for both sides to learn whether the role, the expectations, and the culture are a good match. April and Stephen highlight how the early stages of onboarding help set the tone for communication, mentorship, and long-term success in your ABA therapy practice.
A Strong Culture Comes From Honest Conversation
You can only spend so much time shaping culture, but fostering open communication is one of the most powerful tools you have. When your team feels comfortable discussing challenges, asking questions, and offering feedback, you start building relationships that last and support stronger outcomes across your ABA therapy organization.
📞 Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
📚 Resources & Links
🧾 Business Essentials List: https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
💼 Book a consultation with Stephen: https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
🧠 ABA Business Readiness Assessment: https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
💳 ABA Billing Tips Guide: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
🎧 ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs:
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
Back to Basics: Building for Growth
In this Back to Basics episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith unpack what it really takes to grow an ABA business without burning yourself out in the process.
From breaking inefficient systems before they break you to understanding your true capacity as a leader, this episode focuses on the practical, behind-the-scenes work that makes sustainable growth possible. If scaling your ABA business feels overwhelming, this conversation gives you a roadmap for doing it with intention and clarity.
Key Takeaways
Systems Are the Foundation of Success
April and Stephen remind listeners that growth isn’t about working harder — it is about building systems that work even when things get tough. If your business has solid processes in place, you’re already ahead. Without systems, every challenge feels like an emergency. With them, you can scale with confidence and clarity.
Grow With Intention by Knowing the “Why"
Important requirements like CPR training or employee handbooks are often overlooked when you’re growing fast. April emphasizes the importance of understanding the “why” behind these systems, not just ticking boxes. When you know why each piece matters, your growth becomes purposeful and much more stable.
Build a Business That Can Survive Without You
If you want to sell your ABA business someday, or even simply step back, it must be able to grow without you constantly pushing it forward. Stephen talks about how vital it is to build a company structure that can function independently. Long-term sustainability depends on replacing heroics with systems.
From understanding your limits to building a business that can thrive without you, this conversation is a must-listen for any ABA entrepreneur preparing for the next phase.
This episode is sponsored by Live Oak Bank. Live Oak offers specialized loan solutions tailored to the unique needs of ABA businesses. As America’s premier SBA lender, they’ve helped thousands of small businesses secure financing for acquisitions, real estate, construction, expansion, and partner buyouts. Their team works with you to craft financial solutions that align with your business goals.
📞 Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
📚 Resources & Links:
🏦 Live Oak Affiliate Link: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/live-oak-bank
🧾 Business Essentials List: https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
💼 Schedule a consultation with Stephen: https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page 🧠 ABA Business Readiness Assessment: https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
💳 ABA Billing Tips Guide: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
🎧 ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
Sponsored by SILNA This episode is proudly sponsored by SILNA, a platform helping ABA providers navigate compliance, resources, and advocacy in the field.
Episode Summary
Success looks different for every ABA business owner, especially as your company grows. April and Stephen discuss how to define and measure success when starting out, how your definition evolves over time, and strategies to grow your ABA business with intention and purpose.
Key Topics Covered
Takeaways
Resources & Links
🎧 Podcast CEUs: ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEU’s
📊 Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment: ABA Business Readiness Assessment
💰 ABA Billing Tips Guide: ABA Billing Tips
Get in Touch
Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
Back to Basics: Emergencies!
Sponsored by MarginKeepers – specialized accounting and consulting for ABA providers.
Learn more: MarginKeepers Affiliate Link
Running an ABA business comes with unique challenges — and emergencies can strike at any time. In this episode, April and Stephen discuss how ABA business owners can stay prepared, keep operations running smoothly, and protect both staff and clients when unexpected events occur.
Key Topics Covered:
Takeaways:
Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
Resources
🎧 Podcast CEU’s:
👉 ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEU’s
🧾 Check your business readiness:
👉 ABA Business Readiness Assessment
Learn more about MarginKeepers: Visit MarginKeepers
In this Back to Basics episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith dive into one of the most overlooked parts of running an ABA business: professional boundaries.
From saying “no” when needed to building time for self-care, they explore how boundaries aren’t just about protecting your time. They’re about protecting your ability to lead well and avoid burnout.
Key Takeaways:
Reflecting on Leadership When stepping into leadership, many ABA business owners forget to stop and think about what leading actually means. Stephen and April discuss how easy it is to wear every hat in the beginning, and how that can quickly lead to exhaustion if you don’t set limits early.
Self-Care Isn’t Optional April shares her simple but powerful strategy for staying balanced: setting alarms to eat lunch, take breaks, and step away from the desk. These reminders keep you grounded and help prevent burnout. Leadership starts with taking care of yourself.
Learning to Say No Saying “yes” to everything often leads to blurred boundaries and mental fatigue. April talks about her own experience with overcommitting and how learning to say “no” has helped her protect her time and stay focused on what truly matters.
Managing Your Caseload Wisely Not all clients are the same. Stephen and April explain why it’s important to be mindful of both the number and type of clients you take on. Taking too much work, or too many high-need clients, can hurt your energy and the quality of care you provide.
Recalibrating Your Role Starting an ABA business is hard work. April discusses how becoming an effective leader means shifting from being a great BCBA to being a great business owner. It’s a learning process that takes patience, reflection, and adaptability.
Boundaries and the Helper Mindset Stephen points out that most BCBAs are natural helpers who want to take on as much as possible so people can get the support they need. But without boundaries, that good intention can lead to burnout. Setting limits keeps you sustainable and effective in the long run.
Episode Summary:
Boundaries are the framework that helps your ABA business grow in a healthy way. In this episode, Stephen and April share real experiences and insights on how to protect your time, energy, and leadership capacity by setting strong professional boundaries.
📞 Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
📚 Resources & Links:
💼 Schedule a consultation with Stephen
🧠 Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
💳 ABA Billing Tips Guide 🎧 ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith get back to basics. They break down the key steps for setting up your ABA business the right way — from licensing and ownership rules to credit card strategies and company naming pitfalls.
It’s a practical, down-to-earth conversation full of lessons learned and advice every ABA business owner should hear — whether you’re just starting out or getting ready to grow.
Key Takeaways
Sponsored by Live Oak Bank
This episode is sponsored by Live Oak Bank — the go-to financial partner for ABA providers. Live Oak offers flexible lending and specialized healthcare financing to help your business grow responsibly.
👉 Learn more here: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/live-oak-bank
Resources & Links
📋 The Essential List for a Successful Business Your checklist for building a strong ABA foundation: 👉 https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
🎧 ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs Earn CEUs while you learn:
👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
💼 ABA Business Readiness Assessment Find out if your ABA business is ready to scale:
👉 https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
💡 ABA Billing Tips Simple tips to keep your cash flow strong:
👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
🗓 Book a Consultation with Stephen Smith Get expert advice for your ABA business:
👉 https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Want to Get in Touch?
Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline at (737) 330-1432 — they’d love to hear from you!
Description
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith break down one of the most critical — and often misunderstood — parts of running an ABA business: billing.
From choosing between in-house and outsourced billing to understanding payer contracts, they explore the practical steps that help your clinic stay compliant, efficient, and profitable. Stephen and April share hard-earned lessons about reading contracts carefully, negotiating rates, maintaining control over your billing process, and tracking denials to spot inefficiencies before they snowball.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to clean up your current systems, this episode will help you take a closer look at your billing practices and ensure your business’s financial health is as strong as your clinical outcomes.
Key Takeaways
Your billing setup isn’t permanent. You can start in-house and later outsource—or vice versa. What matters is choosing the system that best fits your growth stage.
Always read your contracts. Never sign a payer agreement without understanding every clause, rate, and responsibility. Every business partner should be knowledgeable about what they’re agreeing to.
Know your minimum rates. Rate negotiation might not happen in your first contract, but understanding what you can’t afford to accept is vital to staying sustainable.
You can’t hand off full control. As April puts it, “Nobody will care about billing as much as you do.” Even if you delegate billing tasks, you need oversight and involvement to prevent problems.
Track patterns and denials. Billing data tells a story—watching for repeated denials or errors helps you catch process issues before they become expensive.
Clean billing builds value. When it comes time to sell your ABA business, well-organized, transparent billing records will give potential buyers confidence and increase your valuation.
Sponsored by Silna
This episode is sponsored by Silna, the first-ever Care Readiness Platform built specifically for ABA.
Silna automates prior authorizations, benefit checks, and insurance monitoring to ensure your patients are financially cleared for care before sessions begin. Operating in 45+ states and serving over 50,000 patients, Silna helps ABA providers save thousands of hours by verifying eligibility, tracking expiring authorizations, and using AI to complete and submit all ABA-related authorization types.
👉 Learn more about how Silna can help you spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/silna
Resources & Links
Stay ahead with practical insights from the ABA Business Leaders Podcast:
👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
Wondering how to start an ABA business or how to know your ABA business is ready to scale? Take the free ABA Business Readiness Assessment:
👉 https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
Need straightforward ABA billing tips to keep your cash flow healthy? Grab the quick guide here:
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith take it back to basics with a deep dive into one of the most overlooked but critical foundations of any ABA practice — policies and procedures.
From compliance and hiring to accountability and growth, Stephen and April break down why written policies aren’t just “paperwork,” but the structure that keeps your business legal, consistent, and scalable.
Whether you’re just getting started or refreshing an existing clinic, this episode is a must-listen for any ABA business owner serious about long-term success.
Key Takeaways
Sponsored by MarginKeepers
This episode is proudly sponsored by MarginKeepers — the go-to accounting and consulting team for ABA providers who want clean books, strong margins, and peace of mind.
👉 Learn more here: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers
Resources & Links
Stay ahead with practical insights from the ABA Business Leaders Podcast:
👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
Wondering how to start an ABA business or how to know your ABA business is ready to scale? Take the free ABA Business Readiness Assessment:
👉 https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
Need straightforward ABA billing tips to keep your cash flow healthy? Grab the quick guide here:
👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
Get in Touch
Got a question or topic you’d love Stephen and April to cover? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News, the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA.
Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice.
🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences. 🎧 New Episode Every Tuesday: We release the recorded episode on all major podcast platforms so you can catch up anytime.
What to Expect Each Week:
✅ The latest news and real-time updates impacting ABA practice owners—legislation, funding, best practices, and trends
✅ Tips, resources, and real-world guidance on launching, managing, and scaling your practice
✅ Stories and experiences from our own journey, and from other professionals in the field
✅ Interactive Q&A from our Facebook group members
Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own practice, just getting off the ground, or looking to take your ABA business to the next level, April and Stephen are here to help you every step of the way.
👉 Join the Conversation: Be part of our supportive Facebook community and get involved in the live episodes. Your questions, comments, and stories are what make this podcast thrive!
____________________________________________________________________________________
If you’re ready to build a strong foundation for your ABA practice, don’t miss my ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs here:
👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs It’s a great way to stay ahead with practical insights.
Wondering how to start an ABA business or how to know your ABA business is ready to scale? Check out my free ABA Business Readiness Assessment:
👉 https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
And if you’re looking for straightforward ABA billing tips to keep your cash flow healthy, grab my quick guide here:
👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
Let’s get your business on track—one step at a time.
This week on the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April continue the Back to Basics series by tackling one of the most critical foundations for any ABA practice: operations agreements.
From legal safeguards to conflict resolution, they break down the agreements and systems that keep a business running smoothly — and why getting them right early can save you major headaches later.
🔍 Inside the Episode:
✅ Avoiding common mistakes – Stephen explains why a solid legal system is non-negotiable when drafting operations agreements. His tip: don’t rely on AI templates — use a trusted resource like LegalShield to protect yourself from costly missteps.
✅ Ownership and roles – April and Stephen share how easily things can get messy with multiple partners, and why defining roles and responsibilities at the start sets everyone up for success.
✅ Money, money, money – From who has access to who makes decisions, clearly defining financial roles keeps your practice secure and sustainable.
✅ Impartial financial mentors – Stephen emphasizes the importance of having an outside, impartial perspective when it comes to money.
✅ Hiring and firing – April and Stephen discuss how defining “quality” is key. Their method: brainstorm individually, then come together to compare and align your expectations.
✅ Roles and responsibilities – April highlights the value of a clear chart for employees so everyone knows who to turn to. These charts will evolve as your business grows, but they’re critical for clarity at every stage.
✅ Conflict resolution – From policies to personal growth, April emphasizes the importance of mental health support. Working with a therapist can make you a stronger communicator and leader when tensions rise.
💡 Whether you’re just launching your ABA practice or refining your systems as you grow, this episode will help you build operations agreements that protect your business, your people, and your peace of mind.
📌 Resources:
ABA Business Readiness Assessment – See where your business stands
Book a Consult with Stephen – Honest guidance from someone who gets it
📞 Want to get in touch via our hotline? Give us a call at (737) 330-1432!
Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News, the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA.
Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice.
🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences. 🎧 New Episode Every Tuesday: We release the recorded episode on all major podcast platforms so you can catch up anytime.
What to Expect Each Week:
✅ The latest news and real-time updates impacting ABA practice owners—legislation, funding, best practices, and trends
✅ Tips, resources, and real-world guidance on launching, managing, and scaling your practice
✅ Stories and experiences from our own journey, and from other professionals in the field
✅ Interactive Q&A from our Facebook group members
Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own practice, just getting off the ground, or looking to take your ABA business to the next level, April and Stephen are here to help you every step of the way.
👉 Join the Conversation: Be part of our supportive Facebook community and get involved in the live episodes. Your questions, comments, and stories are what make this podcast thrive!
____________________________________________________________________________________
If you’re ready to build a strong foundation for your ABA practice, don’t miss my ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs here: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs It’s a great way to stay ahead with practical insights.
Wondering how to start an ABA business or how to know your ABA business is ready to scale? Check out my free ABA Business Readiness Assessment: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
And if you’re looking for straightforward ABA billing tips to keep your cash flow healthy, grab my quick guide here: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
Let’s get your business on track—one step at a time.
Market Analysis for ABA Businesses: Back To Basics
This week on the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April continue the Back to Basics series with a practical deep dive into market analysis — one of the most important, and often misunderstood, steps in building an ABA company.
From cutting through the noise of 40-page reports to understanding what your competitors really charge, this episode is all about asking the right questions and applying lessons you can actually use.
💡 Whether you’re planning your very first clinic or refining your growth strategy, you’ll walk away with a sharper sense of how to analyze your market and use that knowledge to make better business decisions.
🔍 Inside the Episode:
✅ The job that keeps changing – Stephen explains how quickly your role evolves once you open your doors, and why setting clear boundaries on services and clients is essential.
✅ Five questions that matter – April breaks market analysis down to the basics: Who, What, Why, Where, and How. No lengthy reports required, just clarity on the right questions.
✅ What people say vs. what they do – Stephen shares a hard-earned lesson about the gap between verbal commitments and the real-world follow-through required when launching clinics or new services.
✅ Defining your own goals – April reminds us that not every business needs to scale to a multi-clinic model. Growth should be aligned with your personal goals, not someone else’s playbook.
✅ Setting rates with confidence – Stephen stresses that rates should rise, not fall, with private funders, and that knowing competitors’ pricing keeps you competitive.
✅ Collaboration as strategy – April highlights the increasing demand for BCBAs and ABA services, and why working with other providers can strengthen both your business and your community.
📌 Resources:
✅ ABA Business Readiness Assessment – See where your business stands
✅Book a Consult with Stephen – Honest guidance from someone who gets it
📞 Want to get in touch via our new hotline? Give us a call at (737) 330-1432!
🎧 Tune in, take notes, and put these fundamentals into action — your business will thank you for it.
Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News, the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA.
Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice.
🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences. 🎧 New Episode Every Tuesday: We release the recorded episode on all major podcast platforms so you can catch up anytime.
What to Expect Each Week:
✅ The latest news and real-time updates impacting ABA practice owners—legislation, funding, best practices, and trends
✅ Tips, resources, and real-world guidance on launching, managing, and scaling your practice
✅ Stories and experiences from our own journey, and from other professionals in the field
✅ Interactive Q&A from our Facebook group members
Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own practice, just getting off the ground, or looking to take your ABA business to the next level, April and Stephen are here to help you every step of the way.
👉 Join the Conversation: Be part of our supportive Facebook community and get involved in the live episodes. Your questions, comments, and stories are what make this podcast thrive!
____________________________________________________________________________________
If you’re ready to build a strong foundation for your ABA practice, don’t miss my ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs here: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs It’s a great way to stay ahead with practical insights.
Wondering how to start an ABA business or how to know your ABA business is ready to scale? Check out my free ABA Business Readiness Assessment: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
And if you’re looking for straightforward ABA billing tips to keep your cash flow healthy, grab my quick guide here: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
Let’s get your business on track—one step at a time.
Episode Title: Start an ABA Company: Back To Basics
This week on the ABA Business Leaders Podcast as part of their ‘back to basics’ series for 2025, Stephen and April sit down to share hard-earned lessons about the early stages of business ownership. From carving out time while still in a 9–5 to setting boundaries that stick, they dig into the practical — and often overlooked — steps that can make or break an ABA business.
From money management to mentorship, and from fighting isolation to facing failure, this episode is packed with insights for ABA leaders ready to take their first steps with confidence.
🔍 Inside the Episode:
✅ Making the leap – Stephen explains why it’s crucial to use your free time wisely before leaving your full-time job to build early momentum.
✅ Boundaries that last – April unpacks how quickly new owners can get sucked into the whirlwind, and why sustainable schedules are non-negotiable.
✅ Money myths – Together, Stephen and April get real about finances: if you don’t have at least $500 in reserve, it may not be the right time to start.
✅ Mentors & accountants – Why having these two key players in your corner from day one can save you from costly mistakes later.
✅ It’s lonely at the top – Stephen reflects on the isolation of business ownership and the power of connecting with other leaders who “get it.”
✅ Don’t become the bad boss – Lessons on tying your business back to your values, so you don’t recreate the same problems you left behind.
✅ Facing failure – April and Stephen normalize mistakes and highlight why policies, procedures, and learning moments are essential for growth.
💡 Whether you’re on the verge of launching your ABA practice or looking to strengthen your foundation, this conversation will give you the clarity, encouragement, and tools you need to start strong.
📌 Resources:
✅ ABA Business Readiness Assessment – See where your business stands
✅ Book a Consult with Stephen – Honest guidance from someone who gets it
💼 This episode is sponsored by Live Oak Bank Live Oak Bank offers specialized loan solutions designed for the unique needs of your ABA business.
🎧 Tune in and take notes — your future ABA business depends on it.
📞 Want to get in touch via our new hotline? Give us a call at (737) 330-1432!
Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News, the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA.
Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice.
🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences. 🎧 New Episode Every Tuesday: We release the recorded episode on all major podcast platforms so you can catch up anytime.
What to Expect Each Week:
✅ The latest news and real-time updates impacting ABA practice owners—legislation, funding, best practices, and trends
✅ Tips, resources, and real-world guidance on launching, managing, and scaling your practice ✅ Stories and experiences from our own journey, and from other professionals in the field
✅ Interactive Q&A from our Facebook group members
Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own practice, just getting off the ground, or looking to take your ABA business to the next level, April and Stephen are here to help you every step of the way.
👉 Join the Conversation: Be part of our supportive Facebook community and get involved in the live episodes. Your questions, comments, and stories are what make this podcast thrive!
____________________________________________________________________________________
If you’re ready to build a strong foundation for your ABA practice, don’t miss my ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs here: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs It’s a great way to stay ahead with practical insights.
Wondering how to start an ABA business or how to know your ABA business is ready to scale? Check out my free ABA Business Readiness Assessment: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
And if you’re looking for straightforward ABA billing tips to keep your cash flow healthy, grab my quick guide here: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
Let’s get your business on track—one step at a time.