E-verify and Form I-9 are both tied to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA.) which requires that business owners verify the legal status of every employee. If an employer fails to get the appropriate documentation they face a fine between $110 and $1,100 per violation. Penalties increase to a range of $375 […]
Understanding E-Verify and the I-9 Form Read More »
Your medical carrier is not only an insurance carrier that shares in the cost of your medical care, they also provide an extensive Wellness Program to members. From helping you to “get on track” with your fitness/health goals to hands-on counseling regarding a chronic disease, your medical insurance carrier is there to support your needs and
It’s Not Just a Medical Plan Read More »
If you don’t know what an Emod is, you should learn. Your Emod impacts the amount you pay for workers’ compensation insurance and can even complicate your business opportunities. Technically speaking, an Emod is the Experience Modification Rating assigned to a company by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI.) The Emod increases after workplace
What is an Emod and Why Should I Care? Read More »
TUCSON, Arizona, (November 1, 2017) – Are you feeling an uneasy ‘vibe’ at the office? Are co-workers clamming up, mumbling under their breath, or hiding behind a closed door? Pay attention, because it’s National Stress Awareness Day. According to the American Institute of Stress, job stress has been a growing problem for decades and is linked to
Managing Workplace Stress this #StressAwarenessDay Read More »
Focus Forward: Know our Name & What We Do so 2018 Can be Good to You. We have a ridiculously good feeling about the future, and we have secrets we can’t wait to share with you! It’s time to Focus Forward. Most people don’t know the name Focus HR, Inc., but our clients know the quality of
We Have Plans and You’re Invited! Read More »
Focus HR, Inc. got its start in 2003 and, like other companies, it has blended into a ‘mixed bag’ of manpower. Some of us were here on ‘Day One.’ Others are brand new to the business, but we all need to bond. It’s a critical need. We want to be able to laugh and cry
Blood is Thicker Than Water Read More »
Workplace happiness depends on laughter, so ‘lighten up, Francis!’ It’s #NationalTellAJokeDay TUCSON, Arizona, (August 16, 2017) – How many times has someone told you to ‘reign it in. Don’t let yourself get so wound up’ at work? The office can be your center of stress, and here’s the rub. Work truly is ‘what you make
‘Calm down!’ ‘Relax!’ Words of wisdom that truly ‘irritate.’ Read More »
You can be in the best or worst industry, at the highest or lowest level of position, making the most or least of anyone you know and BE HAPPY. You can also be miserable. It’s a choice you make every day. When your feet hit the ground and you finally open your 10,000 ton eyelids,
IT’S ‘NATIONAL HAPPINESS HAPPENS DAY’: WILL YOU COMMIT? Read More »
Tedesco promises ‘personal touch’ while helping businesses save time and money. TUCSON, Arizona, August 5, 2017 – Veteran journalist and award-winning community advocate, Kristi Tedesco has signed-on as Director of Marketing & Sales for Focus HR, Inc. Tedesco has enjoyed a 23-year career in broadcast journalism and is joining Focus HR, Inc. in its ongoing
“Building anything great is messy,” especially when it comes to startups. Too often, startups overlook the importance of HR when they first starting out. This is a dangerous road to travel down. Did you know that in the last 5 years, 60% of companies have faced a lawsuit involving an employee? Or that the EEOC (Equal
Top Mistakes Startups Make When it Comes to HR and Payroll Read More »
At Focus HR, we are strong believers in the power of shopping local… at work! Many of us know the importance of shopping locally and supporting local restaurants, shops, and markets. But what about shopping locally at work? Spending local in the workplace is just as important. So next time you order office supplies or have more business
The Impact of Shopping Local Read More »
1. Performance Management: The Puzzle of Motivation – Dan Pink Have you ever had trouble figuring out the best way to motivate your employees? Well in this very enjoyable and witty Ted Talk, Dan Pink explores employee motivation. In doing so, he makes the bold statement that financial incentives such as (cash, bonuses, gift cards) actually
5 Ted Talks Every Small Business Owner Should Watch Read More »
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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.
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.
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.
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.
CFO
Prior to joining Focus HR in 2022, Brian spent 20+ years working with startups to Fortune 50 companies as a passionate financial thought leader and change manager.
He brings a depth of experience in financial management, business advisory, accounting and problem solving, making him a tremendous asset to the Focus HR team and our clients. As a constant learner Brian spends his time getting into the details of “how things work” and loves when he can influence businesses to work smarter rather than harder.
Brian found his way to the Old Pueblo in 2015 and ended up turning his two boys Zack and Kyle into avid Wildcat fans. When Brian isn’t chasing his kids before the sun rises look for him at the gym, breaking a sweat to start his day.
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.
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.
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.
Human Resources Director
Sue joined Focus HR, Inc. in January 2019 and it’s been a homecoming in more ways than one.
Sue comes to Focus from an exciting career in Texas where she managed a 225,000 person, publicly-traded, global company. That position was extremely rewarding, but Sue missed the Old Pueblo and her grown sons who still call Tucson home.
Sue’s resume is impressive, and her depth of knowledge is exceptional. With more and more business leaders expressing concern over HR management and compliance, Sue makes our signature service at Focus HR unbeatable.
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.
