🎙 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

🎙 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.

🎙 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.