There’s a lot of buzz right now about the Social Security taxes you’ll be paying in 2020. “The maximum tax per worker will be $17,074.80 – or a maximum $8,537.40 withheld from a highly-paid employee’s 2020 paycheck.” This means, in 2020, the amount you pay in Social Security will increase 3.6% to 6.2%. While this […]
Taxable Income Increases for Social Security in 2020 Read More »
It’s renewal time for anyone doing business transactions in Arizona. The Transaction Privilege Tax License must be renewed by January 1, 2020.
Renewal Time: Arizona’s Transaction Privilege Tax License Read More »
The Most Common Emergency for Small Businesses is… FIRE.
The Most Common Emergency for Small Businesses is… Read More »
With the national unemployment rate at 3.1%, employees have the power right now to leave their unhappy jobs. Many are finding greener pastures across the street, and that new landscape is not too hard to grow and maintain. Working with hundreds of business owners in 33 states and Washington, D.C., Focus HR, Inc. has seen
Employee Appreciation Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank Read More »
We’ve had the opportunity to sit with clients and talk about the retirement plans they’re offering their employees. Over and over the question comes up; What’s the benefit of switching from a Simple IRA to a 401(k?) Here’s a ‘simple’ comparison: At this point, if you’re considering a switch, it’s important to understand the timeline
Retirement Plan Comparison: Simple IRA vs. 401(k) Read More »
When it comes to workplace safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is our nation’s authority. OSHA’s been around since 1971, offering a plethora of resources that have been proven effective. Worker injuries and illnesses are down, from 10.9 incidents per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.8 per 100 in 2017. (Source: U.S. Department
Health and Safety in the Workplace: It’s a Four-Letter Word Read More »
The certified experts at Focus HR, Inc. are always on the lookout for good information, and we highly recommend Jenn Betts’ online write up: 5 Realities of the Future Workplace. The business climate is constantly changing and situations are often fluid, so you should keep the following predictions top-of-mind. All Focus HR, Inc. clients have
Recommended Reading: 5 Realities of the Future Workplace Read More »
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration will tell you, before handing PPE to your employees make sure you have a strong PPE Program in place. This puts everyone on the same page when it comes to safety. Keep in mind… OSHA puts PPE at the bottom when it comes to physical and health protections. More
OSHA: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Should Be “Last Resort” Read More »
The IRS made the announcement August 6, 2019. A new and improved “Tax Estimator” is ready for use and should make it easier for people to estimate the taxes they’ll owe throughout the year. This comes after many people received surprise tax bills, or lower-than-expected refunds, because of 2018 changes to the tax law. Countless
NEW & IMPROVED: Updated IRS “Tax Estimator” is Released Read More »
In today’s highly-competitive, low-unemployment business environment employers need to offer comprehensive benefits packages, to attract and retain valuable employees, and a Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan is often the magic ingredient. If you find all the regulatory hurdles of a 401(k) Plan perplexing and frustrating (e.g. non-discrimination testing, fee disclosures, and 5500 filings) don’t despair. This
With the price of prescription drugs skyrocketing, you might be paying more attention to the cost-saving options and tools out there. Can GoodRx and the others really keep cash in your wallet? The answer is… it depends. Your pharmacy will charge you the cost of the drug OR the applicable Co-Payment/Cost Share under your insurance
Prescription Drug Savings: It’s Not for Everyone Read More »
Focus HR, Inc. is closely following legal maneuvers, in the courts and in Congress, that could dismantle the Obama Administration’s Affordable Care Act, bit by bit. A bi-partisan vote (419-6) in the Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives sends an overwhelming message to employers across the United States that the so-called “Cadillac” tax may never take
Pro-Business Vote on the Affordable Care Act 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.
