As a small business owner, bringing in any new employee is a big deal. Each new hire means additional paperwork, hidden payroll costs, and tax withholding requirements. All of that extra work is going to stretch your bookkeeper thinner than they already are, especially if that bookkeeper happens to be you. Many small business owners […]
1099 vs. W2: Ensuring Compliance Amid Rising Wage and Remote Work Trends Read More »
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance rules have brought significant changes and challenges for businesses of all sizes. These new regulations affect everything from health insurance coverage requirements to reporting obligations. It is crucial for both small and large businesses to understand these new rules to avoid substantial financial penalties and ensure compliance. ACA Compliance:
Demystifying ACA Compliance for Businesses of All Sizes in 2024 Read More »
The new overtime regulations are set to bring significant changes for businesses. To help you stay ahead, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on what steps to take and how to implement them effectively. Plus, discover how Focus HR can proactively manage these changes for you. Step 1: Classification Review How to Classify Your Employees and
Prepare for Overtime Rule Changes: A Step-by-Step Guide for Small Businesses Read More »
Update: Federal Judge Blocks FTC’s Noncompete Rule– On August 20, 2024, a federal judge in Texas temporarily blocked the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) proposed ban on non-compete agreements. This means employers can continue using them as allowed by state law. The FTC’s rule faced legal challenges, and the court’s decision is a win for employers
Navigating the Non-Compete Ban: How to Win the Employee Retention Race Read More »
UPDATE NOVEMBER 18, 2024: Please be advised that we have just been informed that on Friday November 15, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas vacated and set aside the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)’s final regulation increasing the salary threshold for the “white collar” overtime exemption under the Fair Labor Standards
Overtime Pay Threshold Changes Read More »
Known largely as the “mother of all employment laws,” the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes THE standard for classification of employees (full-time and part-time) across the United States. Additionally, the FLSA regulates such things as minimum wage rates, overtime payments, child labor, and equal rights. Employers must comply with FLSA standards, or face the
FLSA Compliance: A Guide for Employers Read More »
You can take every imaginable measure to avoid misconduct in your small business, but the day may inevitably come when employee behavior issues raise their ugly head and need to be addressed. When that happens, you will want to make sure it’s done in a thorough and fair manner, and always in compliance with state
Addressing and Preventing Employee Misconduct: A Guide for Small Businesses 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
According to a 2020 small business survey, roughly 70% of entrepreneurs are devoting more time to administrative tasks than they are to their core business. Moreover, 45% of small business owners estimate they spend roughly 1 day a week or more on administrative human resources (HR) issues. Outsourcing HR is just one way to get
FAQs of HR Outsourcing Read More »
As your business grows, so does your risk. That’s partly because businesses generally increase in complexity. You’re now operating with more processes, more vendors, and more chances for things to go wrong. But you’ve also got more on the line. A growing business has more physical assets, employees, customers, and cash than ever before. With
Risk Mitigation — The Overriding Key Advantage to HR Outsourcing Read More »
Outsourcing HR functions can bring significant benefits to small businesses. According to The National Association for Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO), businesses that implement HR outsourcing (HRO) see an ROI of 27.3%.
Maximizing ROI for Your Small Business: The Benefits of HR Outsourcing Read More »
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 »
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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.
