ABA Business Leaders

Back to Basics: One Decision That Moved the Business Forward

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April Smith, co-founder of 3 Pie Squared, hosts an expert panel discussion featuring: Alecia Barrett BCBA, COBA, LSW and owner of A. Barrett Academy, LLC located in Holland Ohio Brooke Schneider, M.S.Ed., BCBA, LBA is the Founder and Clinical Director of Orange Pediatric Therapy, which she opened in 2015 Mallory Stinger, BCBA, CEU Coordinator, IEP Advocate, Sleep Consultant. Mallory has been in the field since 2010. Jennifer Helten, the CEO and Founder of Unique Pathways LLC. The panel explores the risks of micromanagement, the challenge of delegating before you feel “ready,” and why most owners are never fully prepared for the next level of scale. Plus, each founder answer one of the most pressing questions ABA Business Owners ask: What one move can I make to drive my business forward? Key themes include: Identifying decisions that unlock operational momentum rather than adding complexity Letting go of control without sacrificing quality or outcomes Choosing your “hard” as a business owner and accepting that growth always comes with trade-offs The long-term impact of training, developing, and growing alongside your BCBAs Why background work and infrastructure matter just as much as visible leadershipHave a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 Join our ABA Business Owner Support Group here for Free: Sign up here Resources & Links 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

ABA Business Leaders Support Group

In this special panel episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, host April Smith, co-founder of 3 Pie Squared, is joined by Jennifer Helten and Mallory Stinger for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about the realities of owning and leading an ABA business. Together, they explore the emotional, operational, and leadership challenges that show up once you step into ownership. From guilt and over-responsibility to delegation, boundaries, and the constant pressure of “everything being a priority.” The discussion also introduces the ABA Business Leaders Support Group, a new monthly space designed specifically for ABA owners who want connection, clarity, and support from peers who truly understand the role. This episode is sponsored by SILNA, the leading care readiness platform and AI-driven prior authorization management tool, helping ABA organizations reduce administrative burden, improve authorization workflows, and focus more time on delivering care. Learn more about SILNA here: https://www.silnahealth.com/?ref=3Pie#get-started What You’ll Learn in This Episode Common emotional and operational crossover experiences amongst business owners, regardless of size or location How owner guilt shows up day-to-day Why “if everything is a priority, nothing is a priority” increases your risk of burnout as an ABA Business Owner Practical insights on delegation, time audits, and letting go of tasks that no longer serve your role The emotional process of mourning tasks after delegating them Parallels between parenting and running an ABA business, including boundaries and time off Have a Question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: 📞 (737) 330-1432 Resources & Links ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFCBusiness 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 Episode Sponsor — SILNA https://www.silnahealth.com/?ref=3Pie#get-started

Back to Basics – HIPAA 101 

Back to Basics – HIPAA 101 In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared return to fundamentals, breaking down HIPAA through the lens of real operational decisions ABA owners face every day. They are joined by Nandy Bo, Cybersecurity Expert from Cyber Swiss Army Knife Squad. From device security and Wi-Fi risks to IT systems, policies, and staff practices, this conversation is designed to help you identify vulnerabilities before they become liabilities. You’ll hear practical guidance on encrypted devices, bring-your-own-device policies, iPads in ABA clinic settings, cloud systems, and remote monitoring tools. The discussion also explores scalable IT recommendations for small and mid-sized ABA practices, including penetration testing, multi-factor authentication, and how to evaluate whether a platform is genuinely HIPAA-compliant. Whether you are just getting started or reassessing your current systems, this episode provides a clear, actionable framework for strengthening HIPAA compliance across your organization. Episode Highlights What HIPAA means for ABA business owners The risks of unsecured devices, public Wi-Fi, and poor systems Bring-your-own-device policies in clinical environments Best practices for ABA document storage and access IT system recommendations tailored to ABA practices iPads, cameras, and remote technology in your ABA clinic Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 Resources & Links Need Nandy’s Help? Check out Cyber Swiss Army Knife - https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/cyber-swiss-army-knife-squad 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

Back to Basics: Planning The End From The Start

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosted by Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared, the conversation focuses on one of the most overlooked elements of long-term success in an ABA business: exit planning. Drawing from their experience building, scaling, and exiting a seven-figure ABA practice, Stephen and April explain why your exit strategy should be considered from day one, not as an afterthought. Throughout the episode, Stephen and April break down how exit planning directly impacts financial security, operational decision-making, and business scalability. They also share personal stories about how defining your “why” as a founder can make it significantly easier to shape a clear and intentional exit strategy. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why having a defined exit plan is essential for long-term success How exit planning supports financial security and smoother transitions The link between exit strategy and confident, strategic decision-making Key factors that influence a successful and profitable exit Why early-stage ABA business owners should prioritize exit planning How understanding exit options influences daily operations and growth Practical insights from Stephen and April based on real-world experience How clarifying your personal “why” helps simplify exit planning This episode is essential listening for ABA business owners who want to build with intention, reduce uncertainty, and maximize the long-term value of their practice. This episode is sponsored by MarginKeepers, a full-service accounting firm that specializes in supporting ABA businesses: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers 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 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

How to Create Company Culture and Support Your ABA Practice Staff

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared break down what it really takes to create a healthy, sustainable company culture while supporting staff at every stage of an ABA practice’s growth.Drawing on their experience building, scaling, and exiting a seven-figure ABA organization, Stephen and April share practical guidance for founders and leaders who want to align values with business realities, course-correct when needed, and intentionally shape the workplace experiences of their teams. Joined by Cortney and Chris of Keene Perspectives, the conversation explores hiring, retention, leadership responsibility, and the long-term impact ABA business owners have on their staff, many of whom are entering the workforce for the first time.This episode is especially valuable for startup owners, growing practices, and established leaders navigating team dynamics, post-COVID culture shifts, and the balance between mission-driven work and operational sustainability.Episode HighlightsStarting Without PerfectionEstablishing Your “Why” and Early AlignmentCourse Correction as a Leadership SkillBalancing Values With Business DecisionsHiring for Both Objectivity and FitRetention, Culture, and Workplace ImpactHave a question for Stephen and April?Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432Resources & LinksBusiness Essentials Listhttps://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24Schedule 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