Are you up to speed on the latest updates to Form I-9 and the E-Verify platform? These essential documents and systems play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with immigration laws and verifying employee eligibility to work in the United States. With that in mind, the Focus HR team has created this rundown of recent
Navigating the Latest Form I-9 and E-Verify Updates for 2024 Read More »
Generations have aired their grievances about one another for centuries. Even Socrates (469-399 B.C.) once lamented, “The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise.” These days, Generation (Gen) Z, which consists of those born between 1997 and 2012, has
Gen Z and the Workplace: Creating a Collaborative Culture Read More »
Known largely as the “mother of all employment laws,” the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes THE standard for classification of employees (full-time and part-time) across the United States. Additionally, the FLSA regulates such things as minimum wage rates, overtime payments, child labor, and equal rights. Employers must comply with FLSA standards, or face the
Let’s Talk Politics (Without It Turning Ugly)… Look, we all know things are a little heated out there, especially with the election coming up. And guess what? That tension can easily spillover into our workplaces and cause conflict in our businesses. Suddenly, team meetings feel like political debates, and morale can take a nosedive. A
Keeping it Professional: How to Navigate Political Tensions in Your Small Business Read More »
Those handling HR for your small business often find themselves not just advising, but actively taking on managerial tasks like hiring, performance reviews, and even disciplinary actions. While well-intentioned, abdicating these responsibilities to HR vs. your managers/supervisors can undermine their role and weaken leadership development within the company.
How HR Can Empower Your Managers (Not Replace Them) Read More »
With Valentine’s Day just behind us, love might still be lingering in the air, and perhaps even blossoming between colleagues. While workplace romances can occur, they have traditionally come with potential baggage. As a business owner or HR professional, you may find yourself wondering: how do we navigate these situations while ensuring a smooth and
Love in the Workplace: Navigating Office Romances While Protecting Your Business Read More »
According to the Department of Labor, employee quit rates have fallen by 12% in the last year — the lowest they’ve been since the “Great Resignation” of 2021. So why isn’t this reason to celebrate? The recent decline in job quitting actually signals declining confidence in the job market itself, which translates into lower job
Job Quitting Has Fallen by 12% — What Does That Mean for Your Business? Read More »
Running a small business in Arizona — comes with its fair share of challenges. The daily grind often means juggling HR, payroll, employee benefits, and compliance, all while trying to focus on growing your business. It can feel like you’re spinning plates, and if one drops, it can be costly. That’s where Professional Employer Organizations
When you think of business data that can help you improve your decision-making and drive growth, you likely think of sales or marketing metrics. You may not realize that HR and payroll data can provide a wealth of insight on how to improve your business, ensure that employees are engaged, and allocate budgets wisely. In
6 Ways to Use HR and Payroll Data to Drive Growth and Make Better Business Decisions Read More »
In 2003, Tracy Cole embarked on a remarkable journey fueled by a passion for supporting local businesses. Armed with over a decade of management experience in HR and the title of top salesperson for the largest PEO in the United States in 1999, Tracy decided there was a better way to manage small business HR.
Celebrating 20 Years of Empowering Small Businesses: The Focus HR Journey Read More »
You’ve heard the old saying, “What you don’t know can’t hurt you.” When it comes to HR in small businesses, the opposite is true. Unseen problems can cost you time and money and expose you to unnecessary risk. The following represent some of the most common areas of inefficiency — and how HR solutions can
HR in Small Business: It’s What You Don’t Know That Is Costing You Time, Money, & Risk Read More »
The American workweek is shrinking. As of May 2023, the average American worker put in only 34.3 hours — just shy of the 35-hour average of 2021. But that doesn’t mean workers are going home with lighter paychecks. On the contrary, many workers are doing less work for the same pay. This development speaks to
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.
