A business sale is not only about revenue and EBITDA. Here are the HR, legal and operational steps that can help a business become more transferable before a buyer starts asking questions.
Preparing Your Business for Sale: The HR and Legal Steps That Help Protect Value Read More »
AI is changing how work gets done, but the best strategies will not start with headcount or a software purchase. They will start with people. Learn how a workforce-intelligence approach can help small businesses use AI to amplify human capability, then join OneDigital’s September 16 webinar for the full conversation.
Before You Write an AI Strategy, Ask This Question: How Will Work Get Done? Read More »
Every January brings a fresh wave of predictions. Interest rates. Inflation. The labor market. The economy. By February, many of those forecasts will already look less certain than they did when they were published. That is not an argument for ignoring the world around you. It is a reminder to be deliberate about where you
The One 2027 Goal Business Owners Actually Need: Getting Time Back Read More »
Personnel document retention is more than keeping an employee’s file in a locked cabinet. Employers must know which records to retain, how long to keep them, where to store them, who can access them and when they can be securely destroyed. The challenge is that there is no single retention period for every employee document.
Personnel Document Retention Requirements in the USA: Federal and Arizona Rules Read More »
Retirement benefits are getting more complicated — and for employers, that usually means more questions than answers. Between rising financial stress, growing employee expectations, SECURE 2.0 changes, and now the rollout of “Trump Accounts” under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), many small business owners are asking the same thing: “Is this something we
Trump Accounts Explained: What Small Business Employers Need to Know Read More »
Worker misclassification, unfunded PTO, missing agreements — the HR gaps that give buyers leverage at the negotiating table.
The HR Gaps That Create Hidden Liabilities When Selling Read More »
You’ve decided to sell. The financials are clean, the business runs well, and a buyer is interested. Then a key employee finds out and quietly starts taking calls. It happens more often than sellers expect. And the timing is always bad — right when the deal is most fragile. A team member leaving during due
Retention Before Sale: How to Keep Critical Staff Through Due Diligence and Transition Read More »
The best HR outsourcing companies for small businesses do four things well: they assign you a dedicated HR and payroll contact, they handle payroll, HR, benefits and workers’ compensation under one roof, they quote transparent pricing (typically 1% to 3% of gross payroll), and they can walk you through a documented onboarding plan before you
How to Choose an HR Outsourcing Company: A Small Business Checklist Read More »
This month, Tracy Cole is retiring after more than twenty years leading Focus HR. For hundreds of small businesses across the country, she’s been the steady voice on the other end of the phone during crises, recessions, and once-in-a-generation challenges. For nearly forty employees, she’s been a mentor, leader, and friend. For me, she’s simply
A Toast to Tracy Cole: Twenty-Plus Years of Big HR for Small Business Read More »
Key-person risk is the single most common valuation problem uncovered in small business M&A. When revenue, customer relationships, or operational knowledge are concentrated in one individual — usually the owner — buyers discount the purchase price, restructure deal terms, or walk away entirely. For businesses in the $500K–$5M EBITDA range, significant key-person dependency typically reduces
Combining accounting and HR into a single role can quietly cost a small business far more than the salary it saves. The most common hidden costs are compliance errors from a lack of specialization, conflicts of interest between cost control and employee advocacy, burnout from peak-season overload, and increased exposure to fraud when one person
The Hidden Costs of Combining Accounting & HR Functions Read More »
“The customer comes first.” It’s the oldest rule in business. We put it on our websites, paint it on our walls, and drill it into our teams. But what if we’ve had it backward this whole time? Derrick Hall, President and CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks, recently sat down for a SHRM interview where he
The Diamondbacks’ Playbook: Why Employees Must Come Before Customers Read More »
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.
