Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joel Roberts, Co-Founder and CEO of 1722 Behavior & Consulting, located in Worcester, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
1722 Behavior & Consulting, 1722, is an agency that provides applied behavior analysis (ABA) services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). But 1722 does not want to be just another pop-up ABA agency, so we are much more than in-home therapy. 1722 focuses on the community and caregivers, giving back to these individuals to ensure that training and/or coaching is provided to all. Lastly, we want to focus on providing professional development to like-minded individuals in the field through hosting CEU events and training.
Tell us about yourself
I'm Joel Roberts, co-founder, and CEO of 1722 Behavior & Consulting. My business partner, Kaitlyn, and I have about 2 decades of combined experience in the human services/ABA field. Kaitlyn and I have worked together for about 5 years at several different agencies and schools; all focused on providing ABA services to children. Throughout the years, there was one continuous factor that these businesses we were working for were run by business individuals and not individuals that practiced in the field. This led to multiple issues, which is why Kaitlyn and I formed 1722. As practitioners, our focus is on the individuals, caregivers, and direct workers in the field. Our goal is to be an agency that fosters a growth and positive mindset for everyone we interact with to change the lives of families in our community. Lastly, as an adoptive parent to two children with multiple diagnoses, I understand how hard it can be to access services. We hope to elevate some of that.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
1722 was formed in August of 2022, so we have not been opened a complete year yet, but currently, my biggest accomplishment would be being able to give back to the Worcester community. This year, 1722 donated 8 turkeys to provide a Thanksgiving dinner to individuals in the community.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I believe being a business owner is one of the great American dreams that provides the freedom to act independently. With that said, one of the hardest struggles is balancing your personal life and your business life. As a single parent, it is extremely important that I am available for my children.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be organized from the beginning. Take advantage of any free services available to help get you where you want to be. For us, it was the small business association.
- If you are going to partner with someone, ensure that a clear expectation is set for each partner. Also, know the person and have a relationship besides just being business partners. The last thing you want to do is get in bed with the wrong person.
- Set small attainable goals to stay focused. Starting a business is scary, exciting, and overwhelming; heck, it's an emotional rollercoaster, so you'll need to stay focused, and setting goals can really help.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.1722behavior.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086322159503
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1722behavior/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1722-behavior-consulting/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.