Episode #291: Business Strategies For Clinic Owners with Stephen Smith

Building a business that reflects your values takes more than hard work. It takes intention, clear systems, and a vision that keeps you grounded when growth starts to feel overwhelming.

Stephen Smith and I explore what it really takes to build an ethical, sustainable ABA practice without losing sight of why you started in the first place. We talk about the importance of defining your vision early, especially if you’re starting a business with a partner, and why having the right legal and financial support can save you from major headaches down the road.

We also dive into delegation, something every business owner struggles with at some point. Letting go of tasks can feel uncomfortable, but creating systems, documenting processes, and trusting your team are essential if you want to avoid burnout and create a business that can grow beyond you. I also share a few of the books and tools that have helped me think differently about leadership, delegation, and protecting my own creativity as a business owner. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to strengthen an established practice, I think you’ll walk away with practical ideas you can put into action right away.

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Today’s Guest:

Stephen Smith is the CEO of 3 Pie Squared LLC and host of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, where he helps ABA providers build stable, ethical, and scalable organizations without the overwhelm that often comes with growth. His work focuses on simplifying operations, strengthening compliance, and creating systems that work in day-to-day practice. He is the author of the upcoming book, The ABA Business Leader’s Guide: How to Start, Grow, and Sustain an Ethical ABA Practice Without Losing Your Soul, scheduled for release on May 12. Stephen brings over a decade of experience as the former Director of Operations at Corner Piece, a seven-figure ABA practice providing both in-home and clinic-based services. During that time, he developed a deep understanding of the operational challenges providers face, from staffing and compliance to the inefficiencies that can quietly impact quality of care. With a background in process engineering, Stephen has trained hundreds of staff and specializes in breaking down complex, overwhelming problems into small, actionable steps. His approach combines engineering precision with real-world ABA experience to create practical, sustainable solutions that providers can implement and scale.

What’s Inside: