In 2003, Tracy Cole embarked on a remarkable journey fueled by a passion for supporting local businesses. Armed with over a decade of management experience in HR and the title of top salesperson for the largest PEO in the United States in 1999, Tracy decided there was a better way to manage small business HR.
Celebrating 20 Years of Empowering Small Businesses: The Focus HR Journey Read More »
You’ve heard the old saying, “What you don’t know can’t hurt you.” When it comes to HR in small businesses, the opposite is true. Unseen problems can cost you time and money and expose you to unnecessary risk. The following represent some of the most common areas of inefficiency — and how HR solutions can
HR in Small Business: It’s What You Don’t Know That Is Costing You Time, Money, & Risk 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 »
Remote work isn’t a new concept, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit it became vastly more common. Working remotely has a lot of perks, but it comes with downsides, too, one of which is a growing problem for employers: remote workers are becoming more disconnected from their employers’ missions. The issue of employee disconnect is
There’s a Growing Disconnect Among Remote Workers — Here’s How to Stop It Read More »
Running a small business is tough. You have to wear a lot of hats, and HR is often one of them. In many cases, HR duties are dispersed among various team members, including office managers, internal accountants, general managers, and even business owners themselves. This fragmentation often results in inefficiencies, a lack of strategic direction
The State of HR in Small Business — Fragmented, Inefficient, and Not Strategic Read More »
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,
Not long ago, HR managers were wringing their hands over the “Great Resignation,” wherein large swaths of workers quit their jobs in search of greener pastures. But now there is a new trend on the horizon – ‘The Big Stay.’ It seems workers are finally staying put. As of March 2023, the monthly quit rate
“The Big Stay” and What It Means for Small Business HR Read More »
Employee engagement is vital to maintaining a productive and happy workforce. If your employees aren’t engaged, you’ll see lower levels of job satisfaction, more absences, and poorer retention levels. Lack of engagement can dampen your company’s reputation and lead to smaller profits. According to a 2023 Gallup study, over half of employees are unhappy with
Employees Are Frustrated, and It’s Impacting Productivity and Retention Read More »
Small businesses often find themselves facing a challenging David-and-Goliath scenario, particularly when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. According to a 2022 survey from Goldman Sachs, 42% of small business owners have lost workers to a larger company that offers better pay. This statistic underscores the critical role that human resource outsourcing (HRO) can
On this week’s episode of Entrepreneurship Uncovered, Gabby Luoma, CEO of Mod Ventures, interviews Clint Parry, Business Development Manager at Focus HR, to discuss the important relationship between HR and Accounting in Blue Collar businesses. The conversation covers topics such as the challenges that arise when HR and Accounting don’t work together effectively, the benefits
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
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 »
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.
