Running an ABA business can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Between operational challenges, leadership responsibilities, staffing, and the constant needs of the people you serve, it can be easy to lose sight of what made you want to do this work in the first place. In our final episode of National Wellness Month, April and Stephen explore what it means to rediscover and protect the joy of running an ABA business. They talk openly about the ways stress and routine can take over, and how intentional practices can help business owners reconnect with their purpose. April and Stephen share personal experiences, mindset shifts, and practical strategies for finding more meaning in the everyday moments of business ownership. From paying attention to your energy and tracking what brings you joy to practicing mindfulness and gratitude, this conversation offers a reminder that building a successful ABA business doesn't have to mean losing the enjoyment that comes with it. 🔑 Key Topics & Insights Why joy can get lost in the day-to-day demands of running an ABA business How to reconnect with your purpose and remember your "why" Why joy doesn't always happen naturally and how to intentionally create space for it April's approach to tracking joy and identifying what brings energy into your life Stephen's perspective on finding meaning in the mundane parts of business ownership Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 Resources & Links Business Essentials List The Essential List for a Successful Business ABA Business Leaders Support Group Join the ABA Business Leaders Support Group Schedule a Consultation with Stephen Schedule a consultation with Stephen Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment Take the Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide Get the ABA Billing Tips Guide ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs Learn More About ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio. Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Get in touch with MKM Audio 

As part of National Wellness month, we’re re-airing some classic older episodes which look at Mental Health, Burnout and more. In one of our most insightful episodes to date, we welcomed Chris, Liz, and Rebecca from AByay! to the ABA Business Leaders Podcast to talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: the real, day-to-day experience of being a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in the ABA field. RBTs are often the unsung heroes of ABA. They’re the ones in homes, schools, and clinics, putting in the time, building the relationships, and helping clients make meaningful progress. And yet, they’re frequently left out of bigger-picture conversations, under-supported, and emotionally drained. What Advocacy Looks Like for RBTs: What does it mean for an RBT to speak up in a field where power dynamics can be steep? The AByay! team shared strategies for setting boundaries, asking for feedback, and pushing for the support RBTs deserve without burning bridges or burning out. The Role of Joy and Preferred Stimuli: April touched on how this is often overlooked, but also an important part of practice. Even though this varies from tech to tech, Rebecca shared helpful insight on how to motivate engagement. The Emotional Weight of RBT Work: This episode dives into how RBTs can sustain themselves emotionally and how businesses can stop treating RBT turnover as a part of the process. 🎧 Final Thoughts If you're an RBT: this episode is your permission to take up space and advocate for your needs.  If you're a BCBA or business owner: this is your call to examine your systems, your culture, and your leadership style.  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 ABA Business Leaders Support Group: https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFC Schedule a consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free 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 This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith are joined by Mallory and Jennifer to discuss empathic leadership and the experience of RBTs and other frontline ABA professionals. The conversation covers workplace culture, burnout, recognition, career development, professional growth, and the importance of applying the principles of reinforcement to your own team. They also discuss the emotional connection technicians develop with clients and how small acts of appreciation can make a meaningful difference. In this episode: Supporting and valuing RBTs Workplace culture and burnout Recognition and positive reinforcement Career development and CEUs The idea of a "dead-end job" Supporting technicians through client transitions Building a culture of appreciation 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 ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFC Schedule a consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free 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 Podcast Production This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio. Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact

In this special National Wellness Month re-release, Stephen and April Smith revisit one of the most honest conversations they've had about burnout, workplace culture, and the realities of working in ABA. Inspired by real posts shared across Reddit, TikTok, Twitter, and other online communities, they react to the frustrations, challenges, and ethical dilemmas that many RBTs, BCBAs, and ABA professionals experience every day. Drawing on their experience building, scaling, and exiting a seven-figure ABA company, Stephen and April discuss why so many clinicians feel unsupported, where business owners often go wrong, and how ethical leadership creates better outcomes for both staff and clients.  Whether you're a clinician, practice owner, or aspiring ABA entrepreneur, this episode offers an honest look at the issues affecting the industry, along with practical insights on building a healthier workplace. In this episode: Why Stephen and April decided to react to real ABA workplace stories Common reasons ABA professionals say they "hate their job" The impact of burnout, poor leadership, and unrealistic expectations Ethical challenges facing RBTs and BCBAs How business owners can improve staff retention and workplace culture Why advocating for yourself and your clients matters Creating sustainable, values-driven ABA businesses 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 ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFCSchedule a consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free 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  This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio. Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact 

How much training should an RBT receive before working with clients? Is online training as effective as in-person instruction? And why are so many talented clinicians leaving the ABA profession? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith are joined by Allyson Wharam to discuss how effective staff training directly impacts clinical quality, employee retention, supervision, and long-term business success. Drawing on research, real-world experience, and lessons from working with ABA organisations across the industry, the conversation explores why organisations need to move beyond minimum compliance and instead build intentional learning systems that develop confident clinicians and stronger leaders. Whether you're launching a new ABA practice or managing multiple locations, this episode offers practical insights into creating a culture where employees continue learning, supervisors are equipped to lead, and businesses retain great people for the long term. In this episode you'll learn: How top ABA firms win with great trainingWhy smart course design beats the formatMust-know rules for staff trainingHow growth keeps your best staffHow to build high-performing RBTs, BCBAs, and leadersHow coaching drives better resultsHow to create a culture that keeps growingSponsored by MarginKeepers This episode is proudly sponsored by MarginKeepers, the accounting firm built specifically for ABA businesses. From bookkeeping and payroll to financial reporting and strategic guidance, they helps practice owners understand their numbers, improve profitability, and make confident business decisions. Learn more:https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepersHave a question for Stephen and April? 📞 ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432  Resources & Links MarginKeepers https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers 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 Free 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  This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio. https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact

Is ABA Canceled? What Every ABA Business Owner Needs to Know With social media full of headlines asking whether ABA is "getting canceled" or if the industry is in crisis, it's easy for business owners to feel uncertain about the future. In this episode, Stephen and April tackle those concerns head-on. Rather than focusing on fear, they explore what's really happening in the ABA industry, why increased scrutiny isn't necessarily a bad thing, and how ethical providers can position themselves for long-term success. From documentation and billing practices to clinical quality and leadership, this conversation is a practical reminder that strong businesses are built on strong foundations. This episode is for ABA practice owners, clinical directors, and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build an ethical, sustainable, and compliant business. Whether you're just starting your practice or leading an established organization, Stephen and April share practical insights to help you navigate industry changes with confidence while continuing to deliver high-quality care. In this episode, you'll learn: Why increased oversight of ABA providers is happening. Whether the ABA industry is truly "in trouble." The difference between unethical providers and ethical business owners. Common compliance and documentation mistakes that create unnecessary risk. Why quality assurance should become part of your regular operations. How small operational improvements can protect your practice. Why business owners shouldn't make decisions based on fear or social media narratives. Free resources available to help strengthen your ABA business.  Have a question for Stephen and April? 📞 Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: www.mkmaudio.com   Resources & Links Business Essentials List https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFCSchedule a Consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free 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  

Saving money sounds like good business. But what happens when being frugal starts costing you more in lost time, staff frustration, compliance risk, and burnout? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith unpack the hidden cost of underinvesting in your ABA business. Drawing from their own experience of piecing together free and low-cost systems, they explore why the cheapest option is not always the most cost-effective one. 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 ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFCSchedule a Consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free 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  This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio. Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact 

Ever wondered why handbooks are so crucial to ABA business success? A strong employee handbook helps create consistency, protects your business, and gives your team confidence in how your organization operates.In this episode, Stephen and April Smith continue their discussion on building the operational foundations of a successful ABA practice by breaking down five essential policies every employee handbook should include. From confidentiality and electronic communication to social media, safety procedures, and mandatory reporting, they explain why clear expectations reduce risk and improve accountability across your organization.Whether you're launching your first ABA company or refining your existing systems, this episode offers practical guidance to help protect both your business and your employees.Resources & Links Business Essentials List https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFCSchedule a Consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free 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  Have a question for Stephen and April? 📞 Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432  This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio. Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact 

A Special Podcast Swap with Allyson's In the Field Podcast This week, April and Stephen Smith of 3 Pie Squared and the ABA Business Leaders Podcast joined Allyson's In the Field: The ABA Podcast for a special podcast swap episode. April and Stephen share the story behind building and operating their ABA practice for 12 years before transitioning into full-time consulting. The conversation explores the realities of starting an ABA business, scaling sustainably, building leadership teams, creating operational systems, and maintaining ethical profitability. The episode also discusses the challenges of delegation, founder identity, work-life boundaries, and why many BCBAs® are unprepared for the leadership demands of business ownership. Key Topics ✔ Starting an ABA practice without a business background ✔ Why founders need a clear vision before scaling ✔ Building systems that support delegation and growth ✔ The relationship between profitability and ethical practice ✔ Developing BCBAs into effective leaders Key Takeaways You don't know what you don't know when starting a business. Vision should guide growth, not follow it. Systems create consistency, scalability, and freedom. Profitability supports ethical clinical practice. Leadership skills must be intentionally developed. Founder identity should extend beyond the business itself.  Resources & Links Grab Stephen’s Book Here!: "The ABA Business Leader's Guide: How to Start, Grow, and Sustain an Ethical ABA Practice Without Losing Your Soul" by April and Stephen Smith Free Consultation Booking Link  &  Business Essentials List Listen to Allyson’s Podcast SideKick Learning ABA Business Leaders Support Group: 

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith sit down with Dr. Brian Lopez, PhD, BCBA, licensed clinical psychologist, behavior analyst, and Director of Psychological Services and Research at JumpStart Autism Collective.Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in autism services, diagnostics, and healthcare leadership, Dr. Lopez explains why better outcomes for ABA learners require more than strong clinical programming. From early diagnosis and interdisciplinary collaboration to telehealth innovation and scalable service delivery, he shares how providers can build systems that support children, families, clinicians, and communities.What Systems Best Support ABA Learners?Dr. Lopez explains how coordinated systems connecting diagnostics, ABA therapy, healthcare providers, schools, families, and community resources create stronger learner outcomes.Why Is Early Autism Diagnosis So Important?Early diagnosis helps families access services sooner, reduce delays in intervention, and support better developmental outcomes for children with autism.How Can ABA Providers Improve Access to Care?The conversation explores how telehealth, operational systems, and innovative service models are expanding ABA services to underserved and rural communities.Why Does Collaboration Matter in ABA?Dr. Lopez highlights the importance of collaboration between psychologists, BCBAs, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, pediatricians, and families in supporting learner success.What Can ABA Business Owners Learn From This Episode?Listeners will gain insights into leadership, sustainable growth, scalable systems, and maintaining clinical quality while expanding services.Have a Question for Stephen and April?📞 ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432---------Produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.Want to launch or grow a podcast for your business?https://www.mkmaudio.com/contactResources & LinksSILNA:https://www.silnahealth.com/?ref=3Pie#get-startedBusiness Essentials Listhttps://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFCSchedule a Consultation with Stephenhttps://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-pageFree ABA Business Readiness Assessmenthttps://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessmentABA Billing Tips Guidehttps://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_TipsABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUshttps://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs