With individual health insurance open enrollment opening up this month, your employees might have some questions about their benefits. Here are some tips to prepare yourself. 1. Evaluate Your Current Offerings Reach out to your HR provider or health insurance broker to review your current plan. Most companies renew towards the end of the year, so […]
Obamacare Open Enrollment: What It Means for Small Businesses Read More »
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) both serve to protect employees who may need to be absent from work due to a disability or a health condition, but they are both handled differently from an HR perspective. They are often difficult to manage, implement, and comply with
3 Reasons to Outsource Leave Management: FMLA and ADA Read More »
In today’s competitive marketplace, deciding to outsource a portion or all of your human resource administration could go a long way toward increasing your bottom line. By entering into a co-employment relationship with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), you will have the time and freedom to focus on growing your business, and here is why:
5 Ways a PEO Can Help You Grow Your Small Business Read More »
There are a lot of reasons why businesses engage someone to provide a good or service as an independent contractor, including convenience and to save money. This is likely to happen especially when both sides anticipate a short engagement. Businesses get the benefit of the independent contractor’s knowledge and skill without having to worry about
Working with Independent Contractors – What You Need to Know Read More »
The Handbook is a tool to communicate and establish a trusting relationship with your employees. If you use it wisely, you can set out expectations and help avoid conflicts and misunderstandings. Use the Handbook to explain your company goals and mission statement. If you only have a few policies, make sure these are included. Disclaimer
Employee Handbook – Top Must-Have Policies Read More »
Employing effective management tactics for businesses isn’t rocket science. In fact, there is a pretty basic principle to follow: create and retain a strong, trust-filled client-consultant relationship, advises Search Engine Watch. Aside from knowing your job inside and out, the best thing you can do in your role is to learn how to manage effectively. Trust
Tactics for Effective Management Read More »
The government defines a small business as one that employs 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. To determine whether you are classified as a small business, you can use our Full-Time Equivalent calculator. For purposes of this discussion, we will focus on small businesses. Small Business Requirements Small businesses are exempt from the Affordable Care Act
Small Business Guide to Health Insurance Read More »
On December 19th of last year, Joel Gascoigne, CEO of Buffer, wrote a blog post describing his company’s commitment to “radical transparency.” In the post, Gascoigne revealed the earnings of all of the social media startup’s employees along with the formula the company uses to calculate employee pay, making the information public in a move
Transparency in the Workplace Read More »
Since the days of Henry Ford, the 40-hour workweek has remained the standard for the American workforce. Until now. With advancements in communication technologies, changes in family structure,and an increasing global economy, there has been a need for alternative and flexible work schedules. Because of this, an array of flexible and alternative work structures and
Of all the things businesses stay on the look-out for, changes in Human Resources laws often aren’t included. Laws change every year, and staying compliant can be a full-time job. In many companies, it is one. Compliance with HR laws both old and new might cost some money, but it is never as costly as
5 New Laws You May Be in Violation Of – Focus HR Inc. Read More »
We get asked all the time by prospective clients, “Why should we outsource payroll? [Fill in Name] gets the checks out on time and we’ve never had a problem.” Just because you haven’t experienced a problem doesn’t mean that a problem can’t exist. For instance, the IRS has said that 40% of small businesses wind
Advantages of Outsourced Payroll Read More »
One of the important roles that Focus HR plays as a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) is to stay up to date on the changing landscape of employment laws. The rules and regulations that relate to having employees change rapidly. In the beginning, there was only Case Law and Common Law regulating employees; by 1980, there
New Employment Laws and Regulations of 2014 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.
