AI is the ultimate force multiplier for small businesses. It lets your lean team speed up content creation, automate mundane workflows, and even streamline the tedious process of hiring. But here’s the brutal truth: The same convenience that saves you time could cost you your business. If you’re not actively managing how AI is used […]
How AI Is Quietly Exposing Small Business Owners to Liability Read More »
As the year winds down, most small business owners are buried in to-do lists that can feel more like quicksand. You’re closing the books, confirming benefit elections, and setting budgets all while trying to keep the day-to-day business running. It’s the annual ‘admin scramble,’ and it often leaves you feeling drained, not strategic. But what
Year-End HR Planning for Small Businesses: Beyond the Checklist, Toward a Smarter 2026 Read More »
With the new Trump administration taking office, small business owners across the U.S. are preparing for potential shifts in HR policies, employment regulations, and workplace compliance. As policy shifts take shape, businesses should prepare for changes in labor laws, healthcare, and taxation. At Focus HR, we help small business owners stay informed and adapt to
As a small business owner, the government is involved in numerous aspects of your business, including hiring and firing employees. Not knowing and following labor laws and regulations can result in costly lawsuits and fines, reputational damage, and low morale in the workplace. Whether you’re developing new policies or want to decrease your compliance risk,
Legal Considerations for Hiring and Firing in Small Businesses Read More »
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
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.
