ABA Business Leaders

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. 👉 Learn more 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 Defining Success When Starting Out Early-stage success might mean keeping clients happy and managing billing effectively. April shares how your success metrics will evolve as your business grows. Knowing Your Why Establishing your purpose helps guide decisions. April explains that even an informal sense of direction is enough to measure progress. What Do You Want to Avoid? Stephen suggests that success can also come from identifying what failure looks like and what kind of business you don’t want to run. Finding a Healthy Work Rhythm Work-life balance isn’t always realistic. Enjoying your work and creating sustainable habits is a better measure of success. Growing with Intention Metrics matter, but they shouldn’t overshadow your purpose. April and Stephen discuss aligning growth with your mission. Making Success Visible Systems, culture, and structure should clearly reflect your business success, especially if you plan to sell or step back from day-to-day operations. Takeaways Success in ABA evolves over time. Align growth with your purpose and mission. Metrics should support your goals, not define them. A well-run business shows visible, intentional success. 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: Emergencies as a Solo ABA Business Owner Tips for managing critical tasks when you’re the only one in charge and an emergency hits. Continuity of Operations How to create a simple, actionable continuity plan that ensures your business continues to function during disruptions. Scaling and Staffing Challenges The importance of structuring your team correctly, including ensuring BCBAs are employees rather than contractors, and how high staff turnover can complicate emergency response. Delegation and Access Strategies for documenting responsibilities, giving employees decision-making authority, and ensuring access to critical systems. Emergency Procedures During Business Sale or Growth Why procedures can fall out of date during transitions and how to maintain readiness for any situation. Takeaways: Emergencies are inevitable, but preparation is within your control. Clear documentation, delegation, and structured systems make your ABA business resilient. Financial and operational clarity are key to surviving and thriving during unexpected events. 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: 🧾 Business Essentials List 💼 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 Get your licenses in order. Many ABA businesses need multiple permits depending on their services and state. Don’t skip this step — it can save you big headaches later. Check ownership laws. States like New York (and soon Illinois) require practices to be owned by licensed professionals. Always confirm with an advisor before registering your business. Pick a smart name. Your business name and professional email setup can shape first impressions and help you stand out. Use credit cards wisely. When insurance payments lag, a business credit card can help you smooth out cash flow. Plan for growth. As your business expands, your systems, policies, and even your insurance coverage need to evolve too. Document your changes. Keeping notes on what’s working and what’s not makes it easier to delegate and improve operations as you grow. 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: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

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 Compliance isn’t optional. Follow your state’s laws and regulations — even if past employers didn’t. Policies help you hire better. Great staff want structure and clarity from day one. Get it out of your head. Your policies are the written version of your values and vision. Skip the AI shortcuts. Automated policies can miss crucial legal and ethical details. Follow through matters. Policies only work if you actually enforce them. Keep them alive. Review and update your policies monthly to stay current and consistent. 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 membersWhether 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-assessmentAnd 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_TipsLet’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 membersWhether 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-assessmentAnd 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_TipsLet’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 membersWhether 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-assessmentAnd 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_TipsLet’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. 👉 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!

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 membersWhether 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-assessmentAnd 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_TipsLet’s get your business on track—one step at a time.

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

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 membersWhether 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-assessmentAnd 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_TipsLet’s get your business on track—one step at a time.

🎙 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.