Rising costs. Retention struggles. A shifting talent market. If you are a small business owner, the challenges of 2025 were likely keeping you up at night. But as we look toward 2026, it’s time to stop focusing on what you can’t offer compared to the big guys, and start doubling down on what you can. […]
Out-Care, Don’t Out-Spend: 5 Ways to Build a High-Retention Culture in 2026 Read More »
As the year winds down, most small business owners are meticulously reviewing their financial statements. Most look at the typical costs like costs of goods, wages, rent, and SG & A expenses. But there is a hidden line item that likely won’t show up on your P&L, even though it’s costing you the most: your
The Most Expensive Thing You’ll Carry into 2026 is ‘Business as Usual’ Read More »
If you’re a business owner or HR leader, you know competitive benefits are key to retaining talent. But what happens when those benefits suddenly become unaffordable for both the employer and the employee? This is the alarm bell you need: healthcare costs aren’t just going up, they’re set to surge in a way that will
Let me guess. You’ve got a solid team, business is humming along, and someone in the office keeps payroll running and new-hire forms in a folder. Maybe your office manager or bookkeeper helps with onboarding paperwork, runs payroll, and relies on Google or ChatGPT for answers to HR questions. In your mind, HR seems “handled,”
Dear Business Owner, Are You Sure You’ve Got HR Covered? Read More »
AI is the ultimate force multiplier for small businesses. It lets your lean team speed up content creation, automate mundane workflows, and even streamline the tedious process of hiring. But here’s the brutal truth: The same convenience that saves you time could cost you your business. If you’re not actively managing how AI is used
How AI Is Quietly Exposing Small Business Owners to Liability Read More »
As the year winds down, most small business owners are buried in to-do lists that can feel more like quicksand. You’re closing the books, confirming benefit elections, and setting budgets all while trying to keep the day-to-day business running. It’s the annual ‘admin scramble,’ and it often leaves you feeling drained, not strategic. But what
Year-End HR Planning for Small Businesses: Beyond the Checklist, Toward a Smarter 2026 Read More »
As we approach the end of the year, many small business owners are taking stock. Budgets, staffing, and strategy for the year ahead are all on the table. But one area often overlooked (and quietly draining profits) is administrative overhead. HR. Payroll. Accounting. IT. Compliance. They’re all essential, but the way you’re managing them could
From Overhead to Opportunity: Why Fractional Admin Works in 2026 Read More »
Running a small business is hard enough without drowning in paperwork. But for many owners, that’s exactly what happens when it comes to employee benefits and retirement plans. On paper, you might think you’re “covered” because you have a broker for health insurance and a plan provider for your 401(k). In reality? Much of the
Overcoming the Hassle of Small Business Benefits & 401(k) Administration Read More »
Healthcare costs are rising and they are hitting small businesses hard. U.S. employers expect a 5.8% increase in 2025, and small businesses face nearly 9% hikes without cost controls. This trend makes it clear why healthcare costs are a top concern for businesses heading into 2026. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to
How Small Businesses Can Contain Costs Without Sacrificing Employee Value in 2025 Read More »
If you’re a high-earning worker over 50, changes are coming to how you can save for retirement and the tax impact could be significant. The IRS and U.S. Treasury have finalized a rule under the SECURE 2.0 Act that will require catch-up contributions to be Roth (after-tax) for high earners, starting in 2027. Some retirement
401(k) Catch-Up Changes Are Coming: What High Earners Over 50 Need to Know Read More »
There’s a quiet but powerful shift happening in the workforce. Employees aren’t just quitting loudly anymore, they’re detaching quietly. According to Gallup, 51% of employees are watching for or actively seeking a new job. And when they do leave, it’s rarely just about the paycheck. In fact, 68% of employees who left in 2024 cited
Your Mid-Year Retention Check-In: Are You Making Staying the Obvious Choice? Read More »
Signed on July 4, 2025, President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB Act) brings sweeping changes that reshape employee benefits as we know them. For employers and HR teams, now’s the time to understand what’s changing so you can prepare for open enrollment, plan documents, and employee communications. Here’s a closer look at the
What the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Means for Your Employee Benefits Read More »
Human Resources Manager
Nitasha joined the Focus HR team in 2016, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge in business and HR Law. She graduated from the Eller College of Management with a business degree and just recently earned a Master’s Degree in Law with a concentration in Human Resources from Regent University. She also has her SPHR and insurance licenses.
She currently serves as a Human Resource Manager at Focus, working directly with clients and employees to navigate any human resource issues they may face.
In her free time, Nitasha loves traveling, hiking, and spending time with her two Goldendoodles.
Payroll Manager
Krista joined the FocusHR team in July 2020 after moving from Pennsylvania to Arizona. She graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Tourism Studies, which landed her a job at one of the top hotel brands, where she started her payroll career. She also has her CPP certification.
As Payroll Manager, Krista keeps her team of payroll specialists up-to-date on all payroll regulations and is always ready to jump in and process payrolls with her team.
In her spare time, she takes trips with her family, roots for the Steelers, or watches Harry Potter.
Benefits Account Executive
Sandy Garcia has been in the business of employee benefits for more than three decades. Everywhere she goes she runs into people she knows, and they go out of their way to stop and say hello.
Sandy’s worked hard to build a stellar reputation. She’s proactive, instead of reactive and she’s dedicated to doing her job right, the first time. Sandy will amaze you with her benefits knowledge but also her computer and crafting skills. If you give Sandy a glue gun, be prepared for a genuine masterpiece.
Sandy is a mother of three, a grandmother, and a parent to fur babies, Karma and Buster. Their names should tell you, she’s seen a thing or two.
Workers Compensation Manager
Brenda joined the Focus HR team in 2022, bringing with her an extensive background in audit, compliance and profit recovery. As Workers Compensation Manager, she advocates on our clients’ behalf to ensure they get the best coverage for the lowest premium and ensure their workers’ compensation claims and administration are handled with ease.
She provides excellent client service and satisfaction, as well as strong mentorship and leadership skills within the Focus HR team. Being goal-oriented, Brenda strives to provide impeccable support and empowering success to all. Her analytical skillset allows for time and cost efficiency with proven results.
When not working, Brenda enjoys watching U of A sports, tending to her koi fish & garden and smothering her family. She loves all things Disney, Marvel and Star Wars. Brenda is an avid reader and cinephile; she loves the experience of a good story.
MBA, SHRM-SCP, Business Development Manager
Clint Parry has a passion for business growth and personal development. In his current role as Business Development Manager for Focus HR, he helps small business owners accelerate their growth through HR outsourcing.
Clint began his career at Xerox Corporation in Tucson, where he helped build Xerox’s document outsourcing practice. Following his time at Xerox, he launched his own business coaching firm, ActionCOACH, where he coached and advised over 300 business owners in Southern Arizona.
Most recently, Clint led strategy and client development for Lapin International, a strategy and leadership consulting firm focused on building purpose-driven companies and leaders in the Fortune 1000 space.
Clint is a past columnist for Inside Tucson Business and the Arizona Daily Star. He was recognized as one of Tucson’s 40 under 40 and holds a Business Degree from BYU and an MBA from the University of Arizona’s Eller School of Business. Clint enjoys hiking, basketball, and golf, among other sports. He and his wife are the proud parents of four children.
PHR, COSM, Senior HR Manager
Diana Abner was drawn to Southern Arizona for its warm climate and picturesque mountains, but it was Indiana where she got sucked into the world of Human Resources.
For more than 25 years, Diana has taken pride in her ‘people position.’ She’s earned her PHR and COSM, she’s a member of National SHRM and SHRM of Greater Tucson, but that hardly covers Diana’s talents and skills in the workplace. *Side note: We think Diana should also be credentialed in the kitchen for her killer Spicy Chocolate Cupcakes!
When Diana isn’t solving client problems, she’s keeping tabs on her adult sons, Garrett and Austin. She’s also an expert at making co-workers smile.
CFO
As a Certified Public Accountant (Arizona) with a Master’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Corporate Financial Management from the University of Akron, Kirk Eickhoff oversees all aspects of the finance and accounting functions at FocusHR, which includes accounting for and reconciling client payroll, retirement accounts, taxes, and benefits as well as internal financial reporting and management. Prior to joining FocusHR, Kirk held executive leadership roles in the aviation industry and has worked as a financial statement auditor. When not safeguarding client assets, Kirk spends his spare time playing guitar, lifting weights, and playing board games with his daughter. Standing at 6’7″ tall, it’s hard to miss Kirk when he’s walking around the office!
PHRi, HRCI-CP, HR Director
Jennifer Hatcher brings a wealth of experience in mergers, acquisitions, and high-growth environments to Focus HR. With over 14 years in the field, she excels at integrating businesses, streamlining HR operations, and driving long-term workforce strategies. As HR Director, she ensures clients receive expert guidance in payroll, benefits, compliance, training, and policy development.
Jennifer holds an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and is currently pursuing a PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Capella University. Her approach is rooted in patience, strategic thinking, and a passion for building strong workplace cultures.
Outside of work, Jennifer finds joy in her two sons, Devin and Dominic. She enjoys playing the guitar and piano, staying active, and embracing a healthy lifestyle.
SPHR, Chief Operating Officer
Greg Stutz is the definition of loyalty. He took his first job out of college at Focus HR, Inc. and, at an impressive 6’ 6” tall, has climbed the ladder of success by making landmark decisions with sensible open-mindedness.
Greg graduated from Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona in 2008. With his accounting degree, he has taken Focus HR, Inc. to soaring heights, creating and implementing both long and short-term solutions that net our clients considerable results.
Greg is a proud member of the Men’s Active 20/30 Club. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, and golfing. Greg and his wife, Anna have three sons – Brockett, Axton, and Beckham.
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President & CEO
When Tracy Cole isn’t meeting with Focus clients she’s busy building and nurturing her team of HR crusaders. Focus HR, Inc. is structured around Tracy’s deeply-held principles and follows a strong moral compass. Everything is personal with Tracy, and her mission is to always do the right thing.
Tracy grew up in California, attended UCLA, and became the Chief Financial Officer at a healthcare company. When she found her heart in the Tucson desert, she followed her passion into the world of human resources.
Tracy will tell you, her greatest accomplishment has been raising her daughters, Katie and Allie. She also enjoys breeding and training horses for competitive reining.
