1st Edition
The ABA Business Leader's Guide How to Start, Grow, and Sustain an Ethical ABA Practice Without Losing Your Soul
Preface
Author’s Note
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Introduction: We Didn’t Know What We Didn’t Know
1. Why Vision Comes First (Even If Nobody Talks About It)
2. Preparing for Credentialing!
3. Should You Do It Yourself or Hire a Credentialing Service?
4. Systems Are the Backbone: Why Policies Aren’t Optional
5. The Right People for the Job—Building Your Professional Support Team
6. Why Revenue Cycle Management Can Make or Break Your Practice
7. Why Marketing in ABA Is Different
8. Why Client Onboarding Matters More Than You Think
9. Ethical Hiring Starts With Respect
10. What Does Scaling Really Mean?
11. Why KPIs Aren’t Optional Anymore
12. Why HIPAA Matters in ABA—More Than Just a Rule
13. Start With the Leader
14. Ethics vs. Morality: Why Knowing Yourself Comes First
15. Burnout and Vision—Why Your “Why” Is the Only Way Through
Index
Biography
Stephen Smith is a values-driven entrepreneur and founder of 3 Pie Squared, dedicated to empowering ABA practices through ethical, sustainable, and scalable solutions. Based in Prince Edward Island, Canada, he combines strategic thinking with practical approaches to help ABA professionals build integrity-centered practices. With a background in business development, Stephen has created numerous tools and systems—from onboarding checklists to leadership development resources—known for their clarity and ethical grounding. He also leads ABA Business Leaders, a platform equipping practice owners and clinical directors with essential training and systems to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape. Beyond content creation, Stephen hosts the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, interviewing industry experts and addressing practice management challenges. His work is anchored in commitments to clarity, consistency, and empowerment, with a focus on developing software innovations that integrate seamlessly into ABA operations. As a software innovator creating tools like onboarding automation and admin dashboards, Stephen's mission extends beyond helping practices survive—he aims to help them thrive with purpose, emphasizing long-term sustainability and ethical leadership.
“This is the kind of resource I wish I had before I started my practice. It’s clear, genuine, and grounded in values and vision—exactly what our field needs. The tone is firm but gracious, and the emphasis on doing things the right way comes through on every page. Definitely worth whatever price tag you put on it.”
—Tiffany Seepaul, BCBA®
“Stephen Smith’s book is a candid and heartfelt journey into starting an ABA agency. Filled with honesty, vulnerability, and real-life stories, he shares not only his successes but also his mistakes—creating a one-of-a-kind resource that guides others with humility and insight. This is more than just a guide; it’s a companion for anyone ready to build a meaningful, ethical, and sustainable ABA practice, learning from someone who’s been in the trenches and emerged wiser on the other side.”
—Mallory Stinger, BCBA®
