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 »
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 »
In order for small business owners to more effectively compete for great talent in this challenging labor market, offering an attractive benefits package is essential! One such benefit is a 401(k) plan. Retirement plans, like a 401(k), in addition to other employee benefits, not only attract better talent, but create more “stickiness” to keep existing
The Ultimate Small Business Guide to 401(k) Retirement Plans 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 »
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 »
Health insurance brokers seem to be a dime a dozen these days. Most are very helpful upfront – helping to find competitive offers for you and assisting you in making an informed decision when selecting a benefits plan for your business. Since brokers don’t earn commission until you sign the contract with the insurer, they
More than Just a Broker: A True Employee Benefits Administration Solution Read More »
Health coverage represents a significant cost for today’s employers. According to a 2020 estimate, the average cost of an employer-sponsored health plan was $7,470 for single coverage and $21,342 for family coverage. Cost aside, many employers are seeking to create a company culture that places high value on employee health and wellness, an effort aimed
Costly Conditions: How to Address Healthcare Costs Through Workplace Programs Read More »
Employee turnover can be expensive for any business. Not only is the cost of hiring and training new employees a drain on your resources, but losing good team members can wreak havoc on your team’s productivity, quality of work, and morale. Hiring new employees is an expensive and often drawn-out process. According to recent data,
The Untold Costs of Turnover: 6 Tips to Increase Employee Retention Read More »
For a new employee, the onboarding process is often as overwhelming as it is exciting. They’re stepping into a brand new environment and may have many questions about your company, their role, and their benefits during the process. It’s your company’s responsibility (and in its best interest) to make onboarding as seamless and engaging as
Onboarding Made Easy: Make Onboarding Seamless for You and Your New Employees Read More »
The so-called “Great Resignation” didn’t start with the 2020 pandemic. According to data from the Harvard Business Review, the monthly quit rate has been increasing every year since 2009. So, many employers are asking “what’s the best way to reduce turnover?” The answer: evolve your employee benefits package to retain your best employees. Why Retention
Reduce Turnover with Employee Benefits Read More »
As a small business owner, it can be difficult to offer expansive, yet affordable benefits options for your employees. Providing a full range of employee benefits is expensive, both monetarily and in terms of administrative time. Offering a strong lineup of benefit choices encourages retention and happiness within your workforce, however, this administrative burden can
Why Use Focus HR for Benefits Administration? Read More »
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
