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!

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.

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.

👉 Find out more

🎧 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!

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith get personal with some life updates, share exciting news about the growth of their team, and introduce new services—including billing support. They also announce an upcoming podcast series focused on startup advice and take on common misconceptions about what it really takes to start an ABA business.

Whether you’re in the early stages of planning your practice or already managing a growing team, this episode delivers practical insights about balance, planning, and the mindset shifts that fuel long-term success.

And a big thank you to our sponsor, SILNA – supporting ABA providers with the tools and advocacy needed to strengthen the field.

👉 Learn more here: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/SILNA

📞 Want to get in touch via our new hotline? Give us a call at (737) 330-1432!

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Taking intentional time off is crucial for entrepreneurs.

• Building a strong team creates better work-life balance.

• Effective communication is the foundation of team success.

• Planning ahead makes extended time off possible.

• A new podcast series will focus on startup advice and resources.

• Marketing your ABA business is essential for attracting clients.

• You don’t need to know everything before you start.

• Business plans matter—but they don’t have to be perfect.

• Success doesn’t mean working 24/7.

• Curiosity and continuous learning drive growth.

📚 Resources & Links

Looking for ways to strengthen your ABA business? Check out these resources:

👉 Earn CEUs while listening to the podcast: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

👉 Wondering how to start an ABA business or how to know if your ABA business is ready to scale? Take the free ABA Business Readiness Assessment: https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

👉 Need practical tips to keep your ABA billing on track? Download the quick guide here: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

👉 Partner with SILNA to support and advocate for the ABA field: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/SILNA

ABA Business Leaders Podcast – Episode: “ABA Hotline & Community Questions!

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith discuss the launch of a new hotline ((737) 330-1432) for listeners to ask questions about running ABA practices. They dive into the most common concerns facing ABA business owners, including insurance claims, rate negotiation, cancellation policies, and the challenges of scheduling and hiring staff.

Throughout the conversation, Stephen and April emphasize the importance of curiosity, clear communication, and structured onboarding to ensure high-quality services and sustainable business practices in the ABA field.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Curiosity is valued in the ABA community—no question is too small or silly.

• Launching a hotline provides real-time guidance for practice owners.

• Insurance claims are often denied due to simple errors—attention to detail is critical.

• Understanding your minimum acceptable rates and negotiating contracts protects your business.

• Cancellation policies should be communicated clearly and enforced consistently.

• Scheduling challenges are common but solvable with operational planning.

• Hiring should focus on cultural fit and values alignment.

• Rigorous onboarding ensures staff are prepared to provide quality care.

• Collaboration and transparent communication improve overall service quality.

Sponsored by MarginKeepers: This episode is brought to you by MarginKeepers, a team dedicated to helping ABA practices maintain financial clarity, streamline operations, and grow sustainably.

Resources & Links:

• Stay ahead with practical insights through the ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs: 👉 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

• Looking for straightforward ABA billing tips to keep your cash flow healthy? Grab the quick guide here: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

• Ready to streamline your practice finances and simplify your operations? Check out MarginKeepers here: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers

• Want to get in touch via our new hotline? Give us a call on: (737) 330-1432!

🎙 ABA Business Leaders Podcast – AMA Edition: Balancing Ethics, Teams, and the Future of ABA

In this special AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode, Stephen and April take questions straight from the ABA Business Leaders community, diving into the real challenges and conversations that matter most to ABA practice owners and leaders. From navigating profit margins in Medicaid services to helping young adults transition into meaningful adult programs, no topic is off-limits.

The discussion also unpacks the role of private equity in ABA, the constant balance between structure and flexibility in team management, and how leaders can build transparency and trust through strong communication. Whether you’re a growing ABA business owner or a seasoned leader, this episode is full of practical wisdom, thought-provoking insights, and honest reflections about the evolving ABA landscape.

✨ Episode Highlights

• Structure vs. Flexibility – Stephen and April share how clear communication and regular check-ins help teams thrive without the need for micromanagement.

• What’s an Ethical Profit Margin? – Medicaid funding is a sensitive subject. The hosts discuss how ethics and service quality go hand-in-hand when it comes to profit margins.

• Supporting Young Adults – Many families struggle with the transition from ABA to adult services. Stephen and April explore what meaningful adult services can and should look like.

• Private Equity in ABA – A hot-button issue in the field, the conversation unpacks both opportunities and risks when private equity enters the ABA space.

• When Admin Support Really Helps – Before you hire for admin tasks, ask the right questions. The team discusses how staff input and smart automation can make all the difference.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Communication and transparency are non-negotiable.

• Align policies with values, not just compliance.

• Ethical profit means delivering quality, sustainable care.

• Supporting staff with the right tools builds morale and retention.

• Automation and feedback loops can prevent burnout.

📌 Resources from This Episode

• ✅ 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

• ✅ CEUs for ABA Business Leaders – Earn CEUs while strengthening your business: https://3piesquared.com/ceu

• ✅ ABA Start-Up Checklist – Free resource to launch your practice the right way: https://3piesquared.com/aba-checklist

• ✅ ABA Billing Tips – Streamline your billing process and avoid common pitfalls: https://3piesquared.com/billing-tips

🎙 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.

🎙 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.