3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders

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We discuss topics around Applied Behavior Analysis and how to improve the quality of services. You can check out our other services for ABA practices at www.3piesquared.com

Stephen Smith


    • Dec 4, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 44m AVG DURATION
    • 180 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders

    ABA Business Accountancy & Bookkeeping Explained!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 87:22


    ABA Business Leaders Podcast — Hosted by Stephen Smith & Johanna Eddy In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and Johanna Eddy break down one of the most challenging (but most important) parts of running an ABA practice: finance. Whether you're a new ABA provider or operating an established ABA organization, this conversation walks you through the key financial systems that keep an ABA business stable, compliant, and ready for growth. Key Takeaways ✔ Accurate Bookkeeping Is Non-Negotiable Before you can plan, grow, or even file taxes properly, you need clean, consistent books. Stephen and Johanna discuss why accurate bookkeeping is the backbone of every financial decision an ABA owner makes. ✔ Know Your Tax Structure Your entity type determines how you're taxed — and potentially how much you owe. The hosts break down common structures, what deductions business owners typically overlook, and how health insurance affects tax planning. ✔ Quarterly Taxes Don't Have to Be Confusing Johanna explains how quarterly payments work, common misconceptions, and strategies for staying ahead of unexpected tax bills. Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 Resources

    Back to Basics: Building Relationships That Last

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 47:28


    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.

    Back to Basics: Building for Growth

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 52:34


    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.

    Defining Success in Your ABA Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 51:52


    Sponsored by SILNA This episode is proudly sponsored by SILNA, a platform helping ABA providers navigate compliance, resources, and advocacy in the field.

    Back to Basics: Emergencies!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 41:12


    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

    Back to Basics: Building Better Boundaries

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 48:40


    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.

    ABA Business Leaders Podcast: Building the Foundations of Your ABA Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 64:10


    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.

    ABA Billing: Back to Basics

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 59:18


    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.

    Back to Basics: Policies and Procedures

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 55:08


    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.

    ABA News: Insurance reimbursement for ABA services in schools & More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 23:08


    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.

    Operations Agreements: Back To Basics

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 54:37


    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.

    ABA News: The Hidden Risk of ABA & More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 27:30


    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.

    Market Analysis for ABA Businesses: Back To Basics

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 58:01


    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.

    ABA News: Concerns in ABA - The Apple Valley Incident & More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 21:06


    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.

    Start an ABA Company: Back To Basics

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 62:20


    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.

    ABA News: TRICARE's Autism Report & More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 20:34


    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.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 38:05


    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.

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 48:50


    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:

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 45:21


    ABA News: Florida Providers Facing Payment Delays, & More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 25:35


    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.

    Building Resilient ABA Businesses Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 44:36


    ABA News: North Carolina ABA Medicaid Cuts & More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 17:11


    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.

    Episode Title: Building Resilient ABA Businesses 

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 50:27


    ABA News - The end of California's mandatory re-diagnosis law & more!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 24:21


    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.

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 31:12


    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.

    ABA News - RBT Medicaid Requirements & More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 21:14


    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.

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 40:18


    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.

    Would You Rather? Real ABA Leaders Tackle Tough Choices

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 73:50


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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 60:55


    Finding Your Why with ‘ABA on Tap'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 69:05


    ABA News: When Low Reimbursement Rates Impact Care & More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 25:06


    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.

    ABA News: When Schools Ban ABA Therapists & More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 21:08


    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.

    ABA News - Harnessing AI to understand Autism & More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 28:06


    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.

    ABA News - What Counts as Essential Services & More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 33:09


    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.

    How to Improve ABA Supervision with Allyson Wharam of ‘ABA in the Field'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 60:08


    ABA Business Leaders Podcast – Episode: How to Improve ABA Supervision with Allyson Wharam of ‘ABA in the Field' In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April and Stephen sit down with Allyson Wharam of ‘ABA in the Field' to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities around ABA supervision. Whether you're a new BCBA stepping into a supervisory role or a seasoned leader looking to sharpen your skills, this conversation sheds light on how to build stronger, more effective supervision practices that support growth.They explore why self-assessment is critical, how to identify and close knowledge gaps, and why supervision is more than just oversight—it's intentional coaching. Plus, they discuss the importance of creating spaces for advocacy, reinforcing positive feedback loops, and redefining the BCBA credential as a starting point for lifelong learning.Inside the episode:

    ABA News - Ransomware attacks, HIPAA Compliance & More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 31:52


    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.

    ABA News - Classifying BCBA's as 1099 Contractors & More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 36:40


    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.

    Clarity, Capacity, and Efficiency with Silna

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 42:56


    3 Things We Thought Would Be Easier!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 40:28


    Dealing with workplace drama!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 46:28


    Workplace conflict isn't just frustrating—it can derail your ABA team's morale, productivity, and culture. In this episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders, April and Stephen unpack what workplace “drama” really looks like, why it happens, and how ABA business owners can address it without letting it take over. They explore root causes like miscommunication, unclear expectations, burnout, favoritism, and gossip—while offering practical strategies for resolution and culture building. From recognizing covert signs of toxic work environments to implementing real systems that support staff, this episode is packed with honest discussion and hard-earned insights from both clinical and leadership perspectives. Whether you're dealing with one difficult employee or widespread tension, this conversation will give you actionable ways to foster a more transparent, respectful, and supportive workplace.

    Managing Stress and Saving our Sanity!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 43:20


    In this episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders, April and Stephen sit down for a candid conversation about what's keeping them grounded amidst the chaos of running a business. From using meditation to manage overwhelm to creating procedures for when no procedures exist, this conversation is full of relatable insights and sanity-saving strategies. They discuss how to create space between urgency and action, how to train staff on responding without panic, and why every ABA business owner needs a plan for when things don't go to plan. It's a raw and useful discussion about managing stress—even when things are going well. The episode also highlights the value of the ABA Business Leaders Membership, a powerful resource packed with 34 CEUs, step-by-step guidance, and a connected community of ABA professionals ready to grow ethically and sustainably. Starting a practice, not sure where to start? Want to make sure you have everything needed for your established practice? Download our free start-up list here. Explore membership options with 3 Pie Squared and access exclusive resources for ABA business leaders, click here.

    Should a BCBA always own the clinic? Maybe not

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 66:40


    In this episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders, we're diving into a question that stirs up passionate debate across the ABA field: Should a BCBA always own the clinic? Guest Jennifer Helten, founder of Unique Pathways, joins Stephen and April to explore why non-clinician ownership doesn't mean lower quality—and how it might just be the key to a more balanced and sustainable ABA model. Jennifer brings her decades of experience to the table and shares her inspiring journey from nanny to business owner, guided by a deep, personal mission to empower children and families. Together, they explore the power of collaboration between business and clinical leaders, and why mutual trust, clear roles, and a commitment to outcomes are the pillars of an ethical ABA practice. What you'll learn: The ethics and effectiveness of non-BCBA-owned clinics How business owners and clinical directors can work in harmony Building systems that prioritize staff training and child outcomes Real-world strategies for balancing sustainability and clinical care

    Quality over Quantity- Is more supervision always better?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 58:15


    It's time to get real—ABA business owner burnout

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 65:00


    In this raw and heartfelt episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders, April and Stephen open up about a crucial topic that impacts many in the field: ABA business owner burnout. From long hours to emotional exhaustion, they share personal stories, explore the blurred line between burnout and depression, and challenge the culture of wearing burnout like a badge of honor. April leads a deep discussion about how burnout shows up behaviorally, the role of cynicism, and how business owners can unintentionally pass burnout down to their teams. Stephen adds candid insights on mental load, boundaries, and the stress of juggling personal and professional responsibilities. They also touch on systems that help, like regular check-ins and building a support network, plus the impact of societal pressures and lack of community in modern leadership roles. Whether you're in the startup phase or deep into your ABA journey, this episode invites you to pause and reflect. Let's stop normalizing burnout—and start creating sustainable, balanced ABA practices. This episode is proudly sponsored by MarginKeepers

    Expanding to a Clinic? Do this first!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 58:40


    Thinking about expanding from in-home ABA services to opening your own clinic? Before you sign that lease or envision your dream sensory room, Stephen and April break down the real questions you need to ask first. In this episode of the 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders podcast, they share hard-earned lessons and practical insights on when — and if — a clinic is the right next step for your ABA practice. From financial forecasting and zoning laws to lease pitfalls and staff transitions, this conversation covers what every ABA business owner needs to consider before making the move. They also dive into: Why most in-home clients won't transition to clinic-based services (and what to do about it) The overlooked operational risks that come with running a clinic Planning with intention — not pressure — and aligning your business vision with your personal life Whether owning office space or leasing is right for you The importance of marketing, staffing strategy, and quality control KPIs for scaling Looking for support as you grow your ABA business?

    The truth behind the client and staff cancellations

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 51:59


    The Truth Behind Client and Staff Cancellations Client and staff cancellations are one of the most common — and frustrating — challenges in ABA practice management. In this episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders, April and Stephen take a deep dive into the hidden patterns behind cancellations and how they impact everything from staff morale to medical necessity and insurance utilization. They explore how to shift your mindset from reactive frustration to proactive analysis by viewing cancellations as valuable data points. Learn how to track the right metrics, identify patterns in time-of-day, geography, and staff engagement, and why clear definitions and consistent data collection are key. Whether you're struggling with split shifts, scheduling gaps, or persistent call-outs, this episode offers practical strategies and a challenge to help you start auditing your own cancellation patterns to build a more efficient and supportive ABA business.

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