All too frequently employers make news headlines for violating wage and labor laws. A recent example was Rocket Mortgage which made headlines for allegedly failing to pay their employees overtime wages. Since 1938, American workers have been protected by what is commonly known as the “mother of all employment laws,” the Federal Labor Standards Act […]
Don’t be the next headline… understand FLSA compliance Read More »
Have you decided to keep your HR responsibilities in-house? If so, you might run the risk of overextending your employees or adding unnecessary overhead costs for internal HR staffing.. Managing the many administrative complexities and changing regulatory environment that comes with “all things HR” often increases your risk and detracts focus away from revenue-generating functions
The Best Advantages of PEOs for Small Business Owners Read More »
I recently read “Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential” by Greg Crabtree, where he offers useful business insights that can help increase your profitability. I wanted to share some of these insights with you. Crabtree devotes an entire chapter to the subject of labor productivity, which is a
How Labor Costs Can Toss Your Business into a Black Hole Read More »
Background Doulos Concrete was founded by David and Gwen Howell. Since they started the company in 2015, the duo and their staff have completed hundreds of commercial and residential projects. The dynamic, rapidly growing company tackles everything from simple sidewalk installations to box culverts and multi-cell scuppers. Since its inception, Doulos Concrete has served commercial business
Case Study – Doulos Concrete Read More »
Our own Clint Parry recently discussed “The Business of HR” on the Tucson Metro Chamber’s ‘The Business of…’ podcast. Have a listen if you are interested in understanding if outsourcing human resources makes sense for your small business. Have a listen and let us know your thoughts 👇
The Business of Human Resources for Small Business Read More »
In this Arizona Small Business Development Center Network webinar, our Business Development Manager, Clint Parry, explains why small businesses are often disorganized, fragmented and reactive when it comes to HR. Clint discusses why this is and the negative impacts it can have on a small business. He also offers some actionable tips for small businesses to
Get your HR house in order and become a talent magnet Read More »
Focus HR’s Business Development Manager, Clint Parry, recently spoke at the Life and Business Summit on The Benefits and Rewards of Solid HR Compliance. Be sure to watch if you want to learn: ✓ How to attract good talent✓ How to keep good talent✓ Risks of being an employer✓ Costs of effective HR compliance✓ Costs of neglecting HR compliance✓ How
Clint Parry at the Life and Business Summit speaking about HR Compliance Read More »
In late 2022, President Biden signed a $1.7 trillion bill introducing vital retirement savings legislation. Known as the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, the legislation brings major changes to existing retirement account rules. Here’s how the recent changes impact 401(k) retirement plans and what that means for you and your employees. RMD Changes Historically, required minimum distributions (RMDs)
401K Changes with Recently Passed Secure 2.0 Act Read More »
Despite signs that the job market is starting to cool, small businesses are still trying to hire and retain employees. According to a recent Goldman Sachs survey, over a third of small businesses believe hiring challenges have worsened in recent months. At the same time, a majority cite attracting and keeping talent as their biggest problem. What’s
Attracting Talent in a Tight Job Market: Guide for Small Businesses Read More »
Starting in 2023, 13 U.S. states will receive a minimum wage increase. In most cases, the wage increase will go into effect on January 1, 2023, though a few states have a mid-year increase scheduled for July 1. The federal minimum wage (currently $7.25) will remain the same. Note that many California localities are adding
2023 Minimum Wage Updates: What Changes Are Coming by State? Read More »
We’ve all heard of The Great Resignation, quiet quitting, slacking off, and ghosting coasting. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, people have left or lost their jobs in droves, receiving government benefits to supplement their lost earnings. While government-mandated COVID-19 unemployment benefits have primarily stopped, the employment problem doesn’t seem to be going away
How to Keep Engagement Up for Your Team in the Post-COVID Era Read More »
It’s important to fully understand the differences between PEOs and online HR software providers.
The Difference Between a PEO and Online HR Services Company 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.
