TolHouse is proud to present the Take the Leap: TolHouse 2025 Entrepreneurship Grant, a program supporting Toledo’s next wave of visionary founders. Recipients gain a full-year TolHouse Membership, workspace at Panda Workspace, business mentorship, and opportunities to showcase their businesses—all designed to help entrepreneurs build their legacy in our city.

Meet Anthony Bronaugh, founder of AB Education & Behavior Consulting LLC and one of this year’s grant recipients. Anthony’s dedication to inclusive education, professional development, and empowering families in the autism community sets him apart as a leader in Toledo’s behavioral health and education space. In this interview, he shares his journey, his vision for lasting community impact, and how TolHouse is helping him expand his reach and foster sustainable growth.

TolHouse: Share the story behind AB Education & Behavior Consulting LLC. What inspired you to start this business, and how has it evolved since then?

Anthony: I started AB Education & Behavior Consulting after a career as a public school teacher and administrator ended. It had always been a dream of mine to start my own business after watching my grandfather run several successful businesses in Dayton, Ohio.

Initially, as all things do, it started with an idea based on a problem. As an administrator, I observed how organizations or individuals would provide professional development (PD) to staff and then not return—assuming that 2-3 hours of PD was enough to get the staff and administration going in the right direction. I thought it would be beneficial for teachers and administrators to have fidelity checks and opportunities to stay connected with the person providing the PD to ensure ongoing consultation and support.

Regarding families of individuals with disabilities, I observed that many parents lacked access to resources to assist with care for their child or provide a safe place for support. These ideas have since become a reality. AB Education & Behavior Consulting now provides monthly inclusive social events (in collaboration with Avenues for Autism), parent training for families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, assistance with launching schools designed to accommodate children and young adults with disabilities, and professional development for daycare providers, elementary and high school staff, and administrators.

TolHouse: Talk about the unique services you provide to organizations, families, and individuals. How do you tailor your strategies to meet the specific needs of your clients?

Anthony: AB Education & Behavior Consulting LLC provides a strategic plan based on the direct needs of the organization. As a former school administrator and current Board Certified Behavior Analyst, I provide realistic strategies—both behavioral analytic and non-behavioral analytic—based on direct observations and consultations with key stakeholders. A root cause analysis helps determine if the processes and procedures within the organization are aligned with its mission and vision.

The goal is to create a foundation that results in a sustainable system of processes and procedures.

For families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I provide parent training designed to meet them where they are—literally and figuratively. Whether it’s in their home, a library, TolHouse, or another comfortable location, I work to establish positive relationships based on proximity and trust.

TolHouse: What are your long-term goals for AB Education & Behavior Consulting LLC, and how do you see your work shaping the educational and behavioral health landscape in Toledo and beyond?

Anthony: When I share my story and explain what I provide to families, colleagues, and organizations, they often say my work is needed and unique. My long-term goal is to grow my company to include other practitioners, an office staff, and more opportunities for families with children with Autism to access resources without barriers.

TolHouse: How do your passion and purpose drive your approach to helping others achieve their highest potential, especially those who may lack access or resources?

Anthony: My fundamental purpose is and will always be achievement. I understand that when I assist others in achieving their goals, I achieve as well.

I learned this concept early in life when I joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., at the University of Toledo.

TolHouse: What has been your most rewarding milestone since launching your business, and how has it shaped your approach as an entrepreneur?

Anthony: My most rewarding milestone to date is launching the autism-inclusive social events a few years ago. Providing a safe environment and resources to families who felt hopeless before my involvement will always be a top achievement for me.

TolHouse: You’ve combined over 20 years of experience as a school administrator with your expertise as a licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst. How has this unique combination shaped your business philosophy?

Anthony: It’s always about the relationships you create that may not “sprout immediately” but can have a lasting impression for years.

Case in point: I still run into former students from over 10 years ago who remember and can recite the “3 D’s”—Determination, Dedication, and Discipline. They even know the response when I say, “What’s that smell?” (“Sherman Pride, Baby!”).

These experiences have shaped me as a business owner because I truly embrace the belief that “everything I say and do is important.”

TolHouse: Toledo is a central part of your business. How has the community influenced your work and vision for AB Education & Behavior Consulting LLC?

Anthony: Toledo is where I learned the skills that have brought me to this point—for better or worse, although those words are subjective.

Although I was born in Dayton, Ohio, Toledo will always be synonymous with home for me. The people I’ve met, the connections I’ve made, and the memories created have all contributed to who I am today.

As I often say: “A Relentless Pursuit to Achievement through Determination, Dedication, & Discipline is the Crystallization of a Dream Come True!”

TolHouse: Share a client success story or example of how your consulting services have created meaningful change for an organization or family.

Anthony: I’ve worked with many clients who’ve experienced positive outcomes, but here’s a testimonial that stands out:

“Mr. Anthony has been coming to our school for a while now. I just recently started teaching in the classroom he visits this past summer. I was struggling quite a bit, and he gave me great suggestions on how to improve classroom and time management. Since June, I feel that, with his mentorship, I’ve become a much better teacher. I’m more relaxed, and the kids listen so much better. I don’t get overwhelmed as easily, and we all have much more fun now.” — Miss Marie, Learners 4 Life Child Development Center

Here’s another:

“As a special needs parent, supports and services are largely dependent on who you know and what they know. Anthony went above and beyond what I thought anyone was able to do regarding knowledge of resources. He not only provided resources available through his business but also recommended other organizations, all with the aim of helping and supporting families. His expertise as a BCBA and former principal gave me firsthand advice for the home and helped me navigate IEPs for my children.” — Ebony Danielle Hill

TolHouse: How do you balance strategic planning and hands-on implementation to ensure sustainable solutions for your clients?

Anthony: Balance is important to me. I plan two half days each week for administrative work, networking, and planning. The rest of the week is dedicated to scheduling meetings and hands-on implementation, often weeks in advance, to ensure I stay focused, prepared, and aware.

TolHouse: What excites you most about joining the TolHouse community, and how do you think this Membership will help AB Education & Behavior Consulting LLC grow?

Anthony: Before becoming an official Member, I was already spending 1-2 days a week at TolHouse for meetings. I always felt proud and like I was part of something whenever I had a meeting there.

I knew I would run into colleagues and friends from the community who saw the same value in the space that I did. Now that I’m a Member, the connections I make here will help cultivate new growth for my company and show my circle, my fraternity, and my family that my services are valued at TolHouse.

TolHouse: Your business is deeply rooted in helping others achieve success. How does your work align with TolHouse’s mission to empower entrepreneurs and foster growth in Toledo?

Anthony: Since starting my journey as an entrepreneur, I’ve helped others in the community launch their own consulting or ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) businesses.

Additionally, my current networking has allowed me to assist in opening a new school for individuals with disabilities in Northwest Ohio—New Story Schools—set to open in Fall 2025. Guess where those meetings will take place? TolHouse!

TolHouse: What message would you share with others in Toledo who are considering taking the leap into entrepreneurship?

Anthony: Join a city chamber, join TolHouse, and join networking groups if it’s within your budget. And wear your branding and paraphernalia often!

I currently use a local fashion vendor, Jada Danyell, who is phenomenal. I first saw her work being worn by an entrepreneur friend of mine. Since then, my logo and name recognition can be seen on pants, shorts, hats, jackets, polo shirts, pins, lanyards, wristbands, and sponsorship material across the city!