🎙 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 members

Whether 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-assessment

And 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_Tips

Let’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.

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 members

Whether 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-assessment

And 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_Tips

Let’s get your business on track—one step at a time.

🎙 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.

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 members

Whether 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-assessment

And 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_Tips

Let’s get your business on track—one step at a time.

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.

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 members

Whether 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-assessment

And 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_Tips

Let’s get your business on track—one step at a time.

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.