In small businesses, great managers aren’t just “nice to have” – they’re make or break. They hold your culture together. They onboard new hires, handle conflicts, keep teams productive, and often carry out HR functions without formal training or backup. But 2025’s workplace pressures are pushing even your best people to the brink. If your
Why Supporting Your Managers Is a 2025 Business Imperative Read More »
Managing young talent isn’t just about patience, it’s about strategy. A new ResumeTemplates survey reveals what many managers already feel: If that sounds familiar, particularly if Gen Z team members ask for frequent feedback or seem unsure about workplace norms, know that you are not alone. They entered the workforce amid pandemic disruptions, remote onboarding,
Gen Z at Work: Why Your Leadership Style Matters More Than Ever Read More »
Let’s be honest: when “Professional Employer Organization” (PEO) pops up, most people immediately think “small business HR.” It’s a common assumption, and for good reason, PEOs have traditionally been a lifesaver for smaller companies needing HR support. But here’s where that perception needs an update. The idea that PEOs are exclusively for startups or smaller
Why Now Is the Time to Rethink PEOs: A Competitive Edge for Businesses of Every Size Read More »
There’s a quiet but powerful shift happening in the workforce. Employees aren’t just quitting loudly anymore, they’re detaching quietly. According to Gallup, 51% of employees are watching for or actively seeking a new job. And when they do leave, it’s rarely just about the paycheck. In fact, 68% of employees who left in 2024 cited
Your Mid-Year Retention Check-In: Are You Making Staying the Obvious Choice? Read More »
Signed on July 4, 2025, President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB Act) brings sweeping changes that reshape employee benefits as we know them. For employers and HR teams, now’s the time to understand what’s changing so you can prepare for open enrollment, plan documents, and employee communications. Here’s a closer look at the
What the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Means for Your Employee Benefits Read More »
Things might feel crazy, but we’re here to tell you how 2025 can be the year small business owners can finally steal the best talent from Fortune 500 companies. Here’s something that might surprise you: while you’ve been worrying about competing with big corporations for talent, those same corporations have been systematically eroding their own
The Great Corporate Exodus: Why 2025 is Small Business’s Moment to Win the Talent War Read More »
If you’ve ever struggled to balance empathy with productivity when a pregnant employee is frequently absent or needs special accommodations, you’re not alone. And thanks to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)—which went into effect on June 27, 2023—it’s more important than ever to understand your legal responsibilities. In 2025, more PWFA-related cases are surfacing
What Small Business Owners Need to Know About the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) Read More »
Running a small business is tough. And let’s face it—HR isn’t always top of mind when you’re juggling sales, customers, and the day-to-day grind. But ignoring common HR pitfalls can lead to costly penalties, high turnover, and serious headaches down the road. From misclassified employees to poor onboarding, here are the most frequent and expensive
Top HR Mistakes Small Business Owners Make (and How to Fix Them) Read More »
Raises. Titles. Benefits. Perks. Purpose. It’s the standard playbook for keeping top talent—and according to a recent Wall Street Journal article, it’s not working. In “The Secret to Retaining the Best Employees,” authors Ethan Bernstein and Michael B. Horn share insights from 15 years of research and over 1,000 job changes. Their takeaway? Employees don’t
Want to Keep Your Best People? Stop Guessing and Start Asking These 4 Questions Read More »
As a small business leader, you might have heard about the latest employee benefit trends—mental health programs, virtual care, even gut health support—and think, “Sounds great, but not in my budget.” We get it. But here’s the reality: your benefit offerings may be more important than you think. According to recent surveys: In a tight
Innovative Employee Benefits—On a Small Business Budget Read More »
Attracting and retaining top talent has never been more challenging—or more critical—for nonprofit organizations. In a recent two-part webinar hosted by Raise the Bar Consulting’s Jennifer Tersigni, Clint Parry of Focus HR offered practical, research-backed guidance on how nonprofits can overcome these challenges and build thriving workplaces. Whether you joined the live sessions or are
On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced it will no longer enforce the Biden administration’s 2024 independent contractor rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). For small businesses, this marks another change in a confusing, fast-evolving area of compliance. Let’s unpack what this means, what guidance is in effect now,
Independent Contractor Rules Just Shifted Again — What Small Businesses Need to Know 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.
Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch shortly.
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.
