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 leadership

Have 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 

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/cigPR8wFFC

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

Episode Sponsor — SILNA

https://www.silnahealth.com/?ref=3Pie#get-started

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 

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 

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 Highlights

• Starting Without Perfection
• Establishing Your “Why” and Early Alignment
• Course Correction as a Leadership Skill
• Balancing Values With Business Decisions
• Hiring for Both Objectivity and Fit
• Retention, Culture, and Workplace Impact

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

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared break down one of the most misunderstood and operationally critical areas of running an ABA practice: insurance processes. 

From claim denials to prior authorizations, insurance workflows can either support growth or quietly stall it.

Stephen and April walk through the core insurance systems every ABA business owner needs to understand, especially in the early stages, and explain why even experienced providers can run into costly mistakes. 

They are joined by insights from Sagar Jajoo of SILNA, who shares real-world data on where providers most often run into trouble and how strong insurance workflows can support scalability and long-term stability. The conversation highlights why most claim denials stem from front-end issues like benefit checks and authorizations, not clinical documentation, and why relying on inconsistent or manual tracking systems can quickly become a liability as your practice grows. 

Stephen and April also discuss how insurance processes evolve over time, what new owners typically underestimate, and why predictable, well-documented workflows matter not just for growth, but also when preparing to exit or sell a practice. If you want to scale responsibly, improve cash flow, and reduce administrative headaches, this episode lays out what to focus on and what to fix first. 

Get started with SILNA today: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/silna  

Key Takeaways 

• New ABA owners must understand the core insurance processes early, including benefit checks, authorizations, and claims submission, to avoid preventable denials. 

• Even strong billing teams make mistakes, which is why systems and safeguards matter more than individual effort. 

• Most claim denials originate from front-end insurance issues rather than clinical errors. 

• Lack of standardization around prior authorizations increases risk and slows intake. 

• Manual tracking methods often break down as practices grow. 

• Clean, predictable insurance workflows improve scalability and make your business more attractive to buyers. 

📞 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 

Back to Basics: Financial Planning for Your ABA Business

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April sit down with Shep from Live Oak Bank to simplify the world of ABA Finance, ABA funding, and smart financial planning for your ABA practice. Whether you are launching a new clinic or expanding your services, this conversation helps you understand how banks evaluate your business and what you need to secure the right bank loans.

Shep explains how Live Oak partners with ABA providers, why accurate financial planning matters from day one, and what lenders look for when assessing SBA loans. He also highlights the difference between a loan and a line of credit, and the early financial challenges most ABA practices underestimate.

The episode covers what makes an ABA startup loan-ready, how business plans influence approval, and when it may be possible to borrow without personal guarantees. Shep also touches on choosing the right real estate options and avoiding unnecessary financial strain as you grow.

Whether you are preparing to open your first location or planning long-term expansion, this episode provides clear guidance on strengthening your financial foundation.

Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

Resources & Links

• Business Essentials List

• Schedule a consultation with Stephen

• Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment

• ABA Billing Tips Guide

• ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs

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

🎧 Podcast CEU’s: 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

🎧 Podcast CEU’s:

👉 ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEU’s

🧾 Check your business readiness:

👉 ABA Business Readiness Assessment

Learn more about MarginKeepers: Visit MarginKeepers

Back to Basics: Building Relationships That Last

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts April and Stephen Smith explore one of the most important parts of growing a healthy ABA business: the people you bring into it. They dig into hiring, leadership, mentorship, and the communication habits that help an ABA therapy organization run smoothly over the long term.

Whether you're in the early stages of building your ABA team or preparing to step back from daily operations, this episode gives you a clearer picture of how strong relationships and intentional hiring can shape the future of your business.

Key Takeaways

Hiring Should Push You Outside Your Comfort Zone

April opens up about how ego sometimes gets in the way of the hiring process. ABA business owners often avoid hiring someone who might outperform them, but growth happens when you surround yourself with people who strengthen your weaknesses. She uses a “mom friend” analogy to show the value of having support from people at different stages of the journey.

Different Thinkers Make Better ABA Teams

Stephen and April talk about the importance of hiring people who think differently. When you intentionally build a diverse team, you bring in new ideas, new angles, and more well-rounded decision-making. For ABA organizations trying to grow sustainably, these differences lead to stronger outcomes for both staff and clients.

Your Values Should Guide Every Hiring Decision

Stephen emphasizes that hiring becomes much harder when you don’t have a clear vision for your ABA business. Your long-term goals should show up in your job postings, interview questions, and onboarding. When your values are clear, you attract the right people from the start.

Onboarding Is a Two-Way Learning Experience

Onboarding isn’t just training. It’s a chance for both sides to learn whether the role, the expectations, and the culture are a good match. April and Stephen highlight how the early stages of onboarding help set the tone for communication, mentorship, and long-term success in your ABA therapy practice.

A Strong Culture Comes From Honest Conversation

You can only spend so much time shaping culture, but fostering open communication is one of the most powerful tools you have. When your team feels comfortable discussing challenges, asking questions, and offering feedback, you start building relationships that last and support stronger outcomes across your ABA therapy organization.

📞 Have a question for Stephen and April?

Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

📚 Resources & Links

🧾 Business Essentials List: https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

💼 Book a consultation with Stephen: https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

🧠 ABA Business Readiness Assessment: https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

💳 ABA Billing Tips Guide: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

🎧 ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs:

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

Back to Basics: Building for Growth

In this Back to Basics episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith unpack what it really takes to grow an ABA business without burning yourself out in the process.

From breaking inefficient systems before they break you to understanding your true capacity as a leader, this episode focuses on the practical, behind-the-scenes work that makes sustainable growth possible. If scaling your ABA business feels overwhelming, this conversation gives you a roadmap for doing it with intention and clarity.

Key Takeaways

Systems Are the Foundation of Success

April and Stephen remind listeners that growth isn’t about working harder — it is about building systems that work even when things get tough. If your business has solid processes in place, you’re already ahead. Without systems, every challenge feels like an emergency. With them, you can scale with confidence and clarity.

Grow With Intention by Knowing the “Why"

Important requirements like CPR training or employee handbooks are often overlooked when you’re growing fast. April emphasizes the importance of understanding the “why” behind these systems, not just ticking boxes. When you know why each piece matters, your growth becomes purposeful and much more stable.

Build a Business That Can Survive Without You

If you want to sell your ABA business someday, or even simply step back, it must be able to grow without you constantly pushing it forward. Stephen talks about how vital it is to build a company structure that can function independently. Long-term sustainability depends on replacing heroics with systems.

From understanding your limits to building a business that can thrive without you, this conversation is a must-listen for any ABA entrepreneur preparing for the next phase.

This episode is sponsored by Live Oak Bank. Live Oak offers specialized loan solutions tailored to the unique needs of ABA businesses. As America’s premier SBA lender, they’ve helped thousands of small businesses secure financing for acquisitions, real estate, construction, expansion, and partner buyouts. Their team works with you to craft financial solutions that align with your business goals.

📞 Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

📚 Resources & Links:

🏦 Live Oak Affiliate Link: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/live-oak-bank

🧾 Business Essentials List: https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

💼 Schedule a consultation with Stephen: https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page 🧠 ABA Business Readiness Assessment: https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

💳 ABA Billing Tips Guide: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

🎧 ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

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

👉 Learn more

Episode Summary

Success looks different for every ABA business owner, especially as your company grows. April and Stephen discuss how to define and measure success when starting out, how your definition evolves over time, and strategies to grow your ABA business with intention and purpose.

Key Topics Covered

• Defining Success When Starting Out Early-stage success might mean keeping clients happy and managing billing effectively. April shares how your success metrics will evolve as your business grows.

• Knowing Your Why Establishing your purpose helps guide decisions. April explains that even an informal sense of direction is enough to measure progress.

• What Do You Want to Avoid? Stephen suggests that success can also come from identifying what failure looks like and what kind of business you don’t want to run.

• Finding a Healthy Work Rhythm Work-life balance isn’t always realistic. Enjoying your work and creating sustainable habits is a better measure of success.

• Growing with Intention Metrics matter, but they shouldn’t overshadow your purpose. April and Stephen discuss aligning growth with your mission.

• Making Success Visible Systems, culture, and structure should clearly reflect your business success, especially if you plan to sell or step back from day-to-day operations.

Takeaways

• Success in ABA evolves over time.

• Align growth with your purpose and mission.

• Metrics should support your goals, not define them.

• A well-run business shows visible, intentional success.

Resources & Links

🎧 Podcast CEUs: ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEU’s

📊 Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment: ABA Business Readiness Assessment

💰 ABA Billing Tips Guide: ABA Billing Tips

Get in Touch

Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432