🎙 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.

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.

Building ABA Teams That Thrive: Structure, Support & Culture!

Sponsored by MarginKeepers

In this two-part episode, April and Stephen sit down with Maria and Caitlyn—two key leaders at ABYay!—for a grounded, practical discussion on how to truly support the people working within your ABA business. From building trust through frequent check-ins to revamping training based on staff feedback, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone managing teams in behavior analysis.

Together, they share how ABYay! is doing things differently: fostering collaboration, empowering supervisors, and intentionally building a culture where everyone feels heard, connected, and supported.

🔍 Inside the Episode:

🗓 9:53 – “Little and often.” Why frequent check-ins with BCBAs and supervisors are better than the once-every-six-months approach

🏠 15:17 – In-home services challenges: when support falls through the cracks, learners suffer. April shares how this shows up in the field

🤝 18:35 – Caitlyn on creating a culture of connection through individual check-ins and bi-weekly supervisor meetings

🌍 19:33 – April shares why diversity of thought and background among BCBAs strengthens your problem-solving

🧘‍♀️ 23:58 – Maria’s people-first philosophy: why work-life balance and staff comfort build trust—and a stronger business

📚 30:54 – Caitlyn explains how ABYay! built training systems based on staff input, not just clinical norms

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

👉 Visit 3piesquared.com to request these free tools and start making finance one less thing to worry about.

🎧 Whether you're running a small team or a large organization, this episode will give you real, replicable strategies for building an ABA company that puts people first—and thrives because of it.

🎙 Would You Rather? Real ABA Leaders Tackle Tough Choices

In this fun but revealing episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April hosts a powerhouse panel of ABA business owners—Chris, Jennifer, Mallory, Robin, and Alecia—for a special “Would You Rather?” edition. The game might be light-hearted, but the insights are anything but. From delegation and burnout to payroll panic and exit strategies, this group doesn’t hold back.

With decades of combined experience and plenty of real talk, the panel shares the hard decisions ABA leaders face every day—and how to move through them with clarity, care, and courage.

🔍 Inside the Episode:

🤹 Robin reflects on trying to do it all: The trap of trying to juggle motherhood and business without support

📞 Chris offers practical advice: Why every ABA business should start with a virtual number (and never use your personal one!)

📈 Mallory and Chris weigh the risk: Fast growth vs. slow and steady—what’s sustainable when you’re managing waitlists and scaling staff?

💰 Mallory draws a line in the sand: Making payroll should always be your #1 priority

🔄 Jennifer chooses insurance fights over staff turnover: Why consistency matters more than convenience

🍼 Alecia and April talk legacy: Sell and sabbatical, or evolve and stay in the work? What does growth really look like for a founder?

😂 Chris jokes about the emotional rollercoaster of ownership: “Monday through Friday, I’m ready to sell. Saturday, I’m in love with my business again.”

💡 Whether you're building your team, growing your caseload, or just wondering if you're doing it right, this episode is packed with candid advice from people who’ve been in your shoes.

📌 Resources Mentioned:

✅ Silna Health – Never lose time to benefit checks again. Claim your extended free trial here: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/silna

✅ 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

🎧 Tune in and find comfort in the chaos—because you’re not doing this alone.

🎙 AI Meets ABA: The Future of Behavior Analysis with Adam Ventura

In this forward-thinking episode, April and Stephen sit down with Adam Ventura, to explore the rapidly evolving intersection between artificial intelligence and applied behavior analysis (ABA). Adam Ventura, MS, BCBA, is a leader in the integration of artificial intelligence and behavior science. He is the Founder and CEO of Intraverbal AI, a company dedicated to transforming applied behavior analysis (ABA) through AI-powered tools that support ethical decision-making, supervision, and clinical efficiency. From concerns about data security to philosophical shifts in how we define "expertise," this conversation is packed with thoughtful insight for anyone navigating the future of ABA.

Together, they dig into the risks, possibilities, and ethics of integrating AI into clinical workflows—and what this tech revolution could mean for RBTs, BCBAs, and most importantly, clients.

🔍 Inside the Episode: 🧠 Stephen voices concerns about over-reliance on AI: What happens to professional judgment when we let machines make decisions?

📚 Adam compares ABA to education: We’re moving from knowing the right answers to learning how to ask the right questions.

🔐 A frank discussion on HIPAA, data privacy, and why clinicians need safe AI systems

👏 April praises the field: ABA leaders are having grown-up conversations about AI—and it’s brilliant to see.

🚫 Adam calls out the negative reinforcement embedded in session notes: We should remove the punishment contingencies around data collection and admin work.

🔮 A look ahead: Adam shares his vision for AI in ABA, and how it could streamline services without sacrificing ethics or outcomes

💡 Whether you're excited about AI or skeptical of it, this episode will challenge your assumptions and leave you with a clearer picture of where the field is headed.

📌 Resources Mentioned:

✅ Intraverbal AI – Explore Adam's company and tools designed to support ABA professionals

✅ Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment

✅ ABA Billing Tips

✅ Book a Free Consult with Stephen

✅ ABA Start-Up Checklist

🎧 Listen in and reimagine the future of ABA—with both humans and machines in mind.

🎙 ABA Business Leaders Podcast: Finding Your Why with ‘ABA on Tap’

In this special crossover episode, April and Stephen team up with Mike and Dan of the ABA On Tap podcast for a candid conversation about the often-unspoken challenges of ABA business ownership. Together, they explore what it really takes to start and grow a sustainable practice, and the personal and professional costs when your foundation isn’t strong.

From the importance of having a clear “why,” to why some BCBAs shouldn’t be business owners, this episode is packed with straight talk, field-tested advice, and a few laughs. You’ll also hear why neglecting your RBTs and obsessing over billables can erode your mission faster than you think.

Inside the episode:

💡 Why your “why” matters more than your business plan

🛑 The real reasons many ABA start-ups struggle—or fail

🎯 How to build a people-first company without sacrificing growth

💬 Why undervaluing your RBTs is a fast track to burnout and turnover

⚠️ The trap of focusing only on billables—and what it’s really costing you

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🔗 Resources: ✅ Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment Know where your practice stands—and what you need to fix https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

✅ ABA Billing Tips Protect your revenue with smarter billing strategies https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

✅ Book a Free Consult with Stephen Unfiltered, practical advice for ABA business owners https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

🎙 Looking After Your RBTs, Part 2: Knowing Your Worth With Special Guests: Chris, Liz, and Rebecca from AByay!

In Part 2 of this raw and real conversation, April and Stephen continue their deep dive with the incredible team at AByay!—Chris, Liz, and Rebecca—unpacking the realities of working as an RBT and what meaningful support looks like.

This episode answers hard questions:

👉 When is it time to leave your ABA company?

👉 What do RBTs truly want and need from their workplaces?

👉 Why are so many technicians burning out—and how can we stop it?

The guests share powerful stories, practical systems, and a few truths bombs every BCBA and ABA business owner needs to hear.

🔍 Inside the Episode:

🛑 “Is it time to move on?” Drawing the line when your ABA workplace isn’t serving you anymore

💬 What techs really want in the field—and how we can truly support them

🔥 The real reasons RBTs are burning out (and why these issues aren’t just about workload)

🔧 Concrete examples of how AByay! builds a culture of communication and collaboration

📣Keeping RBTs informed: Why transparency is everything on the tech side

💥 Chris’ mic-drop moment: “We know our worth. Our mission is to provide the highest quality services that we can.”

💸 Stephen breaks it down: It costs over $7K to train a tech. Protecting that investment means building workplaces where they want to stay

Whether you’re an RBT navigating your career or a leader trying to build a team that thrives, this episode is a must-listen.

📌 Resources Mentioned:

✅ Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment

✅ ABA Billing Tips

✅ Book a Free Consult with Stephen

✅ ABA Start-Up Checklist

💡 SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: MarginKeepers

Accounting. Taxes. Consulting. Built for ABA.

MarginKeepers helps ABA providers focus on care—not spreadsheets. Their team understands the ins and outs of ABA operations and delivers the financial clarity practices need to grow with confidence.

Services:

✅ABA-Specific Accounting & Reporting

✅Tax Compliance & Cost-Saving Strategies

✅Business Consulting for ABA Practices

Tools You Can Use:

Request your free Chart of Accounts by emailing MarginKeepers

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.

MarginKeepers isn’t just a vendor—they’re a financial partner for ABA providers who want to grow smarter and stay compliant.