Coaching Session: Discussing Onboarding with a New Owner
Starting and managing an ABA practice comes with countless challenges, especially when it comes to hiring and onboarding new staff. In this insightful episode of the 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders podcast, hosts Stephen and April sit down with Joseph Wilson, Operations Manager at Imagination Station. Joseph shares his experiences as he and his wife embark on the journey of growing their newly established ABA practice.
Key Insights from the Episode
1. Navigating Onboarding and Credentialing Challenges
Joseph discusses how his practice experienced setbacks with their first hires, particularly with credentialing and unexpected personal challenges. He emphasizes the importance of being flexible but also of having clearly defined processes to support new employees through onboarding.
2. Balancing Expectations and Boundaries
April and Stephen share valuable advice about the importance of setting expectations for new hires early in the onboarding process. From creating job descriptions to conducting skills assessments, it's crucial to establish clear policies and procedures to reduce ambiguity for staff members.
3. Hiring: Experienced vs. Green Staff
A recurring challenge for ABA business owners is whether to hire staff with experience or train new hires with no prior ABA background. The panel discusses the advantages and potential risks of each approach. Joseph explains how his practice screens applicants by focusing on personality, flexibility, and willingness to learn—traits that are often more valuable than experience alone.
4. Creating Strong Onboarding Processes
April highlights the need for structured onboarding, including timelines, assessments, and opportunities to observe soft skills. These processes help ensure that new hires are adequately prepared and aligned with the organization’s values.
5. Supporting Staff Retention
Stephen emphasizes the importance of providing continuous support to staff, including supervision, professional development opportunities, and open communication. He notes that employee retention improves significantly when staff members feel valued and supported.
Meet the Guest: Joseph Wilson
Joseph Wilson is the Operations Manager at Imagination Station, an ABA practice he co-founded with his wife, who serves as the clinical director. In his role, Joseph oversees the business operations, including hiring, staff development, and client relations. His mission is to build a sustainable and ethical practice that prioritizes high-quality service for families.
Sponsor Spotlight: Margin Keepers
Running an ABA business comes with its share of challenges—managing clients, staff, and insurance can be overwhelming. That’s why Margin Keepers is here to help. Specializing in ABA business finances, Margin Keepers takes the stress out of bookkeeping so you can focus on what truly matters—your clients and your practice's growth.
Helpful Resources for ABA Business Leaders
- Starting a practice, not sure where to start? Want to make sure you have everything needed for your established practice? Download our free start-up list here.
- Explore membership options with 3 Pie Squared and access exclusive resources for ABA business leaders. Click here.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
Catch the full episode with Joseph Wilson and learn more about how to strengthen your onboarding and staff management processes in your ABA practice.
