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!