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 »
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 »
Like most businesses, your company is probably focused on closing out 2023 strong. Whether this means running some last-minute promotions or launching a marketing campaign, you have a ton on your plate. While it would be nice to devote all of your energy toward meeting your revenue goals, you also have to deal with an
Your Ultimate 2023 Year-End Payroll, Tax, & HR Checklist Read More »
Since the 2020 pandemic, Zoom has been synonymous with the remote workforce. But now, even the video conferencing giant is asking its employees to shut down their webcams and return to the office — at least on a hybrid basis. Zoom is just one of many American companies pushing for a return to the office,
Are Remote Workers Here to Stay? Read More »
For every $5 of your cash outflow, nearly $1 goes to your payroll, according to recent research from JPMorgan. But lurking behind this figure may be hidden costs that could be taking a bite out of your business. These hidden costs can include the cost of multitasking, the cost of office space, the cost of upkeep, the cost of mistakes, and the cost of turnover.
The Hidden Costs of Payroll and How to Make It More Efficient Read More »
Not long ago, HR managers were wringing their hands over the “Great Resignation,” wherein large swaths of workers quit their jobs in search of greener pastures. But now there is a new trend on the horizon – ‘The Big Stay.’ It seems workers are finally staying put. As of March 2023, the monthly quit rate
“The Big Stay” and What It Means for Small Business HR Read More »
Employee engagement is vital to maintaining a productive and happy workforce. If your employees aren’t engaged, you’ll see lower levels of job satisfaction, more absences, and poorer retention levels. Lack of engagement can dampen your company’s reputation and lead to smaller profits. According to a 2023 Gallup study, over half of employees are unhappy with
Employees Are Frustrated, and It’s Impacting Productivity and Retention Read More »
Running a small business can feel like a juggling routine. Not only do you have to keep up with operations, but you also have to ensure compliance with an ever-evolving set of HR laws and regulations. If you’re an Arizona business owner, here are the top 10 laws and regulations you need to keep up
When it comes to benefits to offer your employees, there are a lot of options — health care and dental plans, a company-sponsored 401(k) and vacation time. However, there is one benefit that is highly sought after but often overlooked — childcare assistance. The cost of childcare is increasing dramatically, and more parents are considering
Your Employees Want Childcare Benefits Read More »
Small businesses often find themselves facing a challenging David-and-Goliath scenario, particularly when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. According to a 2022 survey from Goldman Sachs, 42% of small business owners have lost workers to a larger company that offers better pay. This statistic underscores the critical role that human resource outsourcing (HRO) can
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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.
