Starting an ABA practice is exciting—and overwhelming. Too many passionate, well-intentioned professionals jump in with big hearts but without a clear roadmap. The result? Burnout, financial stress, sleepless nights, and businesses that collapse under the weight of uncertainty. This book was written to change that. Stephen Smith, founder of 3 Pie Squared and the ABA Business Leaders platform, has spent more than a decade working with ABA business owners across the country. Along the way, he and his wife learned many of the hardest lessons firsthand—navigating sleepless 3 a.m. payroll panics, staff misalignments, underpricing, and the cost of building without vision. Later, through consulting and his podcast, Stephen saw the same patterns repeating in thousands of practices. What sets this book apart is its honesty. Stephen doesn’t offer magic formulas or one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, he shares practical guidance, stories, and the key questions every ABA business owner must ask to build something sustainable, ethical, and meaningful. From clarifying your vision and values to avoiding common traps around hiring, clients, and finances, this book is both a guide and a challenge: a way to help you see what you may not have considered—and to act before it’s too late. If you’re building a typical ABA center or in-home agency, this book will help you create a stronger foundation. If you’re creating something unique, it will spark curiosity and imagination, helping you stay aligned with your mission. Above all, this book is an invitation to lead differently—to slow down, think clearly, and build a practice you’re proud of. At the end of the day, success isn’t about avoiding mistakes—it’s about learning from them before they break you.
