As the year draws to a close, it’s essential for small business owners to ensure their human resources (HR) processes are primed for 2025. Proper year-end HR management sets the stage for a successful new year and keeps your business compliant. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you make this important transition: Verify Employee Information […]
Year-End HR Checklist: Essential Steps for Small Business Success Read More »
When you think of HR, what comes to mind? Hiring, onboarding, payroll, maybe even compliance. But what about the hidden costs of HR? The ones that quietly chip away at your bottom line without you even realizing it. For small business owners, these hidden HR costs can be a major obstacle to growth. Factors like
Are Hidden HR Costs Killing Your Profits? Here’s How to Find Out (and Fix It) Read More »
Running a small business is like riding a rollercoaster. Exhilarating highs meet unexpected drops, and every day brings a new challenge. But amidst the chaos, one area often gets neglected: Human Resources (HR). While essential for employee well-being and legal compliance, HR can quickly become a web of complexity. Think stacks of paperwork, numerous regulations,
Complexity: The Hidden Cost Holding Your Business Back & How to Simplify in 2025 Read More »
Businesses of all sizes have expressed an interest in getting back to in-office work in 2024; 90% of companies said they would return to the office by year’s end. Amazon recently announced that all employees must return to their respective offices full-time early in 2025. Many workers are already required to come in at least
Social media has become a double-edged sword for small businesses. You can leverage channels like Facebook and Instagram to showcase your work and make connections. However, they also serve as spaces where disgruntled employees can leave negative comments. Even a few bad reviews can severely impact your reputation. You’ve worked tirelessly to build a great
How to Combat Negative Employee Reviews on Social Media Read More »
We often hear about the importance of employee engagement, but its true impact on a business is often underestimated. While low engagement might seem like a minor issue, its consequences can be severe, leading to significant financial losses and operational challenges. Consider these staggering statistics: But the costs don’t stop there. High turnover rates, a
The ROI of Engagement: How to Maximize Your Investment in Your Workforce Read More »
As a small business owner, you know that payroll is one of your largest expenses. You also know that you are required to withhold and pay payroll taxes, but this can be challenging if you’re not sure what to withhold and what portion you must pay. Failing to properly process your payroll taxes can lead
Avoid Liabilities: Perfect Your Understanding of Payroll Tax Withholding Read More »
Are you up to speed on the latest updates to Form I-9 and the E-Verify platform? These essential documents and systems play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with immigration laws and verifying employee eligibility to work in the United States. With that in mind, the Focus HR team has created this rundown of recent
Navigating the Latest Form I-9 and E-Verify Updates for 2024 Read More »
Let’s Talk Politics (Without It Turning Ugly)… Look, we all know things are a little heated out there, especially with the election coming up. And guess what? That tension can easily spillover into our workplaces and cause conflict in our businesses. Suddenly, team meetings feel like political debates, and morale can take a nosedive. A
Keeping it Professional: How to Navigate Political Tensions in Your Small Business Read More »
Those handling HR for your small business often find themselves not just advising, but actively taking on managerial tasks like hiring, performance reviews, and even disciplinary actions. While well-intentioned, abdicating these responsibilities to HR vs. your managers/supervisors can undermine their role and weaken leadership development within the company.
How HR Can Empower Your Managers (Not Replace Them) Read More »
When you think of business data that can help you improve your decision-making and drive growth, you likely think of sales or marketing metrics. You may not realize that HR and payroll data can provide a wealth of insight on how to improve your business, ensure that employees are engaged, and allocate budgets wisely. In
6 Ways to Use HR and Payroll Data to Drive Growth and Make Better Business Decisions Read More »
The American workweek is shrinking. As of May 2023, the average American worker put in only 34.3 hours — just shy of the 35-hour average of 2021. But that doesn’t mean workers are going home with lighter paychecks. On the contrary, many workers are doing less work for the same pay. This development speaks to
Workers Are Doing Less Work for the Same Pay 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.
