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ABA Business Leaders

ABA Business Leaders

By: Stephen Smith
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About this listen

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.

3 Pie Squared 2023
Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Building Resilient ABA Businesses Part 2
    Aug 21 2025

    🎙 Episode Title: Building Resilient ABA Businesses Part 2

    This week on the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen is joined by two familiar voices from Episode 1 — Chris and Meghan. Together, they dive into the realities of burnout, the importance of preparation, and what it really takes to build an ABA business that can weather the ups and downs.

    From financial pitfalls to leadership blind spots, this candid conversation shines a light on both the mistakes and the solutions that help ABA leaders not only survive but thrive.

    🔍 Inside the Episode:

    Preparation matters – Meghan explains why some new ABA practices fail before they even begin, and how having strong policies and procedures in place (her “3Ps”) can make all the difference.

    Credit cautionary tale – Chris opens about a line of credit horror story, and how even responsible owners can get punished without the right financial strategy.

    Smart money tips – Stephen shares practical financial insights to help ABA leaders navigate lines of credit and safeguard their business during tough times.

    The burnout reality – Meghan recalls a moment of burnout at her son’s baseball game and drops this gem: “If you’re at max capacity and looking to hire someone, you should have already hired someone.”

    Delegation and trust – Chris reflects on asking for help, reminding leaders that while not everyone may care about your business as much as you do, the right hires will care deeply about client outcomes.

    💡 Whether you’re just starting your practice or scaling toward sustainability, this episode is full of lessons on avoiding burnout, strengthening your systems, and creating a resilient business that lasts.

    📌 Resources:

    • ✅ ABA Business Readiness Assessment – See where your business stands: https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
    • ✅ Book a Consult with Stephen – Honest guidance from someone who gets it: https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

    💼 This episode is sponsored by Live Oak Bank Live Oak Bank offers specialized loan solutions designed for the unique needs of your ABA business.

    Find out more: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/live-oak-bank

    🎧 Tune in and take notes — your future self will thank you.

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    45 mins
  • Episode Title: Building Resilient ABA Businesses
    Aug 14 2025

    🎙 Episode Title: Building Resilient ABA Businesses

    Episode Summary In this candid conversation, Stephen and April sit down with Chris and Meghan to unpack one of the most pressing issues in the ABA industry: owner burnout. They explore the emotional, financial, and operational pressures that come with running an ABA business, from payment delays to the constant weight of financial responsibility. The discussion highlights strategies that help business owners not only survive but thrive, including leadership development, financial literacy, and peer collaboration.

    Sponsored by SILNA This episode is brought to you by SILNA Health, the ABA practice management solution designed to help business owners reduce stress, stay organized, and focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional care.

    Key Takeaways

    • Burnout is real — ABA business owners face unique stressors that can affect both their well-being and their company’s success.
    • The financial burden is heavy — understanding your numbers is non-negotiable.
    • People over profit — building a healthy culture can relieve pressure and improve outcomes.
    • Hire intentionally — the right leadership team can dramatically reduce owner workload.
    • Know your metrics — financial literacy is as important as clinical expertise.
    • Payment delays happen — a solid financial plan helps you weather the gaps.
    • Distribute responsibility — leadership is not a solo act.
    • Lean on peers — support and collaboration make the journey more sustainable.
    • Plan for the tough times — strategic preparation reduces stress when challenges hit.

    Why You Should Listen If you are an ABA business owner feeling the weight of responsibility, or you want to avoid reaching burnout, this episode offers practical strategies, real-world insights, and a reminder that you are not alone.

    Resources & Links from this Episode ✅ Claim your extended trial of Silna Health: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/silna

    ✅ Take the free ABA Business Readiness Assessment: https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

    ✅ Book a call with Stephen for honest, personalized guidance: https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

    Let’s stop the guessing, and start building something sustainable, efficient, and aligned with your values.

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    50 mins
  • Building ABA Teams That Thrive (Part 2): Managing ABA Business Caseloads
    Aug 7 2025

    Building ABA Teams That Thrive (Part 2): Managing ABA Business Caseloads

    In this follow-up episode, April and Stephen sit down once again with Maria and Caitlyn from ABYay! to continue the conversation on what it takes to lead, support, and grow successful ABA teams.

    This time, they explore the nitty-gritty of treatment plans, report writing, and building sustainable caseloads for BCBAs and supervisors. From clear documentation to curiosity-led feedback, Maria and Caitlyn offer a behind-the-scenes look at the systems and mindset that keep their staff supported and clients progressing.

    🔍 Inside the Episode:

    📝 Templates are training tools: Caitlyn shares how structured report templates and rubrics help RBTs and new staff understand treatment plans—without overcomplicating them.

    🔁 Frequent check-ins matter: Supervisors often feel overwhelmed at first. Caitlyn and Maria emphasize that regular touchpoints and open conversations about workload are key.

    📋 Training that actually works: April and Stephen dig into how ABYay! makes sure technicians understand treatment plans before stepping into the field. Caitlyn explains their hands-on approach to onboarding and training—it’s all about readiness, not just compliance.

    ⚖️ What is a "manageable" caseload? Maria shares that the average BCBA caseload at ABYay! is six. Some carry more if they can handle it ethically, but the emphasis is always on feedback, reflection, and customization.

    🧠 Building reflective supervisors: Supporting supervisors means more than just telling them what’s right or wrong. Maria talks about using curiosity and self-awareness as tools for long-term professional growth.

    👥 One tech per full-time case: Caitlyn explains why ABYay! assigns a single technician to 35–40 hour cases. This consistency supports stronger relationships and better outcomes for kids—and it makes supervision smoother too.

    💡 Bottom line: There’s no one-size-fits-all for caseloads or staffing. But the common thread? Intentionality. This episode is a must-listen for ABA leaders who want to build not just teams, but ecosystems of support.

    💼 This Episode is Sponsored by MarginKeepers

    Because managing people and your numbers shouldn't feel impossible.

    📌 Free Resources from MarginKeepers:

    📥 10 Essential Accounting Tips for Established ABA Owners → Email them with this subject line to get practical, jargon-free advice you’ll actually use.

    📄 Tax Compliance Flyer → Download for free and stay ahead of issues that affect pay, compliance, and peace of mind.

    📊 ABA Chart of Accounts → Request it via email to start tracking the right numbers in the right way.

    https://3piesquared.com/ — MarginKeepers has built resources for practices like yours:

    • 10 Essential Accounting Tips for Established ABA Owners: Request them (email with this subject line). Practical. Actionable. No jargon.
    • Tax Compliance Flyer: Available for free. Because you deserve peace of mind—and your staff deserves consistency.
    • Request your free Chart of Accounts by emailing MarginKeepers.
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
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