Running a small business in Arizona — comes with its fair share of challenges. The daily grind often means juggling HR, payroll, employee benefits, and compliance, all while trying to focus on growing your business. It can feel like you’re spinning plates, and if one drops, it can be costly. That’s where Professional Employer Organizations […]
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 »
Like most businesses, your company is probably focused on closing out 2023 strong. Whether this means running some last-minute promotions or launching a marketing campaign, you have a ton on your plate. While it would be nice to devote all of your energy toward meeting your revenue goals, you also have to deal with an
Your Ultimate 2023 Year-End Payroll, Tax, & HR Checklist Read More »
Do your employees feel valued? If not, they may start looking elsewhere for work. Today, one of the surest ways to make your workers feel undervalued is wage compression. In many workplaces, wage compression has become the “silent killer” that’s destroying company culture. Here’s what you need to know about wage compression and how you
The Hidden Costs of Wage Compression Read More »
For every $5 of your cash outflow, nearly $1 goes to your payroll, according to recent research from JPMorgan. But lurking behind this figure may be hidden costs that could be taking a bite out of your business. These hidden costs can include the cost of multitasking, the cost of office space, the cost of upkeep, the cost of mistakes, and the cost of turnover.
The Hidden Costs of Payroll and How to Make It More Efficient 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
The Relationship Between HR and Accounting Read More »
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
FAQs of HR Outsourcing Read More »
A very common practice among small business owners is to combine several responsibilities or functions into a single role. We see this most frequently in administrative roles. For example, an Office Manager may be assigned duties that combine that of a Receptionist, Bookkeeper, HR Generalist and Customer Service Specialist. It’s understandable why employers might create
The Hidden Costs of Combining Accounting & HR Functions Read More »
Have you decided to keep your HR responsibilities in-house? If so, you might run the risk of overextending your employees or adding unnecessary overhead costs for internal HR staffing.. Managing the many administrative complexities and changing regulatory environment that comes with “all things HR” often increases your risk and detracts focus away from revenue-generating functions
The Best Advantages of PEOs for Small Business Owners Read More »
I recently read “Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential” by Greg Crabtree, where he offers useful business insights that can help increase your profitability. I wanted to share some of these insights with you. Crabtree devotes an entire chapter to the subject of labor productivity, which is a
How Labor Costs Can Toss Your Business into a Black Hole 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.
