What really distinguishes a GREAT small business from the rest of the pack in these unprecedented times? For me it boils down to one thing: Leadership. Having been in the “leadership” business for many years now, I’ve noticed how businesses with AGILE leadership at the helm always seem to prosper more in the good times
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the largest stimulus package in the nation’s history, was enacted on March 27, 2020. The $2 trillion CARES Act builds upon the two earlier pieces of legislation, providing significant funding and tax measures to provide economic relief. There are two key SBA small-business relief programs as part of
Given these extraordinary times, I thought about what small business owners are going through and I wondered what I could do to help? I don’t know all the answers, but drawing on my 25 year background in business coaching, strategy, leadership development, and HR Outsourcing, I’ve put together a weekly “FOCUS on Agility” video series
Chances are pretty good that you’ve taken a fraudulent call on your cell phone regarding Social Security. Phone scams are widespread and extremely costly, tallying $10.5 billion in 2018 alone. To crack down on this epidemic and the recent impersonation calls, the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Office of the Inspector General are offering
BREAKING: New option to report Social Security scams Read More »
There’s a lot of buzz right now about the Social Security taxes you’ll be paying in 2020. “The maximum tax per worker will be $17,074.80 – or a maximum $8,537.40 withheld from a highly-paid employee’s 2020 paycheck.” This means, in 2020, the amount you pay in Social Security will increase 3.6% to 6.2%. While this
Taxable Income Increases for Social Security in 2020 Read More »
It’s renewal time for anyone doing business transactions in Arizona. The Transaction Privilege Tax License must be renewed by January 1, 2020.
Renewal Time: Arizona’s Transaction Privilege Tax License Read More »
The Most Common Emergency for Small Businesses is… FIRE.
The Most Common Emergency for Small Businesses is… Read More »
With the national unemployment rate at 3.1%, employees have the power right now to leave their unhappy jobs. Many are finding greener pastures across the street, and that new landscape is not too hard to grow and maintain. Working with hundreds of business owners in 33 states and Washington, D.C., Focus HR, Inc. has seen
Employee Appreciation Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank Read More »
When it comes to workplace safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is our nation’s authority. OSHA’s been around since 1971, offering a plethora of resources that have been proven effective. Worker injuries and illnesses are down, from 10.9 incidents per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.8 per 100 in 2017. (Source: U.S. Department
Health and Safety in the Workplace: It’s a Four-Letter Word Read More »
The certified experts at Focus HR, Inc. are always on the lookout for good information, and we highly recommend Jenn Betts’ online write up: 5 Realities of the Future Workplace. The business climate is constantly changing and situations are often fluid, so you should keep the following predictions top-of-mind. All Focus HR, Inc. clients have
Recommended Reading: 5 Realities of the Future Workplace Read More »
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration will tell you, before handing PPE to your employees make sure you have a strong PPE Program in place. This puts everyone on the same page when it comes to safety. Keep in mind… OSHA puts PPE at the bottom when it comes to physical and health protections. More
OSHA: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Should Be “Last Resort” Read More »
The IRS made the announcement August 6, 2019. A new and improved “Tax Estimator” is ready for use and should make it easier for people to estimate the taxes they’ll owe throughout the year. This comes after many people received surprise tax bills, or lower-than-expected refunds, because of 2018 changes to the tax law. Countless
NEW & IMPROVED: Updated IRS “Tax Estimator” is Released 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.
