Nichole Daher, Founder and CEO of Success On The Spectrum (SOS), leads a dedicated support team that assists entrepreneurs in establishing their own ABA therapy businesses. Their comprehensive services range from LLC formation and office space acquisition to staff recruitment, training, and navigating insurance procedures.
Before venturing into the realm of entrepreneurship, Nichole worked as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, conducting PET scans for cancer patients at an outpatient diagnostic imaging facility. However, her path took a profound turn upon marrying and becoming a stepmother to a child with Autism.
The catalyst for founding SOS emerged from a deeply personal experience. Nichole’s stepdaughter faced adversity when her previous ABA therapy center expelled her at the age of 7, underscoring the limitations of existing services, which typically catered only to younger children. Driven by her research revealing the stark disparity in access to therapy for autistic children, with only a third receiving the necessary support, Nichole was compelled to take action.
Motivated by a mother’s fierce determination, Nichole envisioned an ABA center that would provide equal opportunities for children of all ages, not just the younger ones. Her ambition extended beyond a single center; she aspired to establish a franchise model to expand access to such services across communities.
Nichole’s mission with SOS transcends personal boundaries; she is committed to facilitating greater access to care for all autistic children, emphasizing inclusivity and support for families beyond her own. Her journey embodies the resilience of maternal advocacy and a relentless pursuit of equitable opportunities for all.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Nichole Daher:
Tell us about Success On The Spectrum and its offerings.
Up until 2018, the ABA therapy industry was dominated by private equity groups. In fact, Market research suggests that nine large multi-site ABA companies hold a 38% market share of all ABA programs. The financial investors’ fixation on profit results in increased analyst caseloads, reduced parent involvement, and therefore reduced quality of services that kids receive. These cookie-cutter profit machines are turning most ABA clinics into the equivalent of fast food therapy.
In 2018, Success On The Spectrum (SOS) emerged as the first Autism Treatment franchise in the country. SOS provides a variety of therapy services to children with developmental delays, including ABA, Speech, and Occupational Therapy. As the first franchise of its kind, the Success On The Spectrum model is transforming the industry by opening brick and mortar learning centers that are driven by quality instead of profit investment. The franchising company, SOS Franchising, provides quality monitoring and enforces low caseloads and rigorous training for each staff member. The franchise model in the ABA industry has the advantage of large company resources, standardized practices, advanced training resources, operations monitoring, purchasing power, and brand recognition… while still holding the “mom and pop” feel and attention from individual owners. The Success On The Spectrum franchise is now setting the standards for high-quality treatment and blazing a trail for excellence.
How do you continue to grow and develop as a female leader? And what qualities are lacking among today’s emerging women leaders?
To be a good leader, you must have the ability to change your mind when presented with new facts. I think that some people let the fear of admitting they were wrong stop them from getting it right. I like to think that I have the ability to listen to what others have to say and to remain flexible in my thinking. The world changes so quickly and I try to keep up with it!
How would you describe your leadership style, and how does it align with the culture and goals of SOS Franchising?
It is my priority to ensure the success of each new opening location. We do a lot of hand-holding and give a ton of support and oversight to help our franchisees avoid costly mistakes.
What strategies do you employ to enhance operational efficiency within the organization, and how do you measure the effectiveness of these strategies?
I have created a proprietary software that keeps each SOS location very organized. There are a lot of moving parts in a medical practice, and you cant rely on one back office admin to do everything. I encourage a team-wide accountability to ensure that all protocols are handled properly.
In your role, how do you handle challenges or setbacks, and what strategies do you employ to keep the team motivated during difficult times?
As a leader, I try not to make decisions on my own. Barked orders are not followed with enthusiasm. I ask my employee’s opinions and let them help me create goals. If they are a part of the strategy for improvement, it creates ownership and accountability in its execution.
What’s the greatest risk you’ve taken as a professional? Where do you see your company in the next five years?
Having no experience in franchising, my biggest risk was starting the franchising company. I had no idea how to run a big company and I had to rely on other peoples advice to form the Operations Manual. In the next 5 years, I hope to have over 200 SOS locations throughout the USA. I hope that my company can positively impact the lives of thousands of families. I hope that these kids, who would normally be forgotten and placed in group homes, can have a chance at an independent life with jobs and families of their own.
