Employers also need protocols in place so that injuries and illnesses are handled properly, and the costs and recovery times are kept to a minimum. Insurance brokers are hit and miss when it comes to support, so make sure you choose your business teammates wisely. At Focus HR, Inc., our motto is Protecting People […]
Having trouble filling those open positions? You are not alone! All the data and statistics confirm, this is a growing problem for small businesses and organizations nationwide, and its time to make some adjustments. According to Trading Economics, the U.S. unemployment rate is expected to hit 3.80 percent by the end of this quarter. This
Decades Low Unemployment Rate; Small Businesses Forced to Adjust Read More »
Sprains, strains, and tears are the biggest cause of workplace injury but other dangers exist. We have the ten most common causes of a workers’ compensation claim in the U.S.
‘Sprains, Strains, and Tears’ Remain the #1 Cause of Workplace Injuries Read More »
The IRS is updating its W4 form and significant edits are expected. Here’s what we know so far…
W4: A Work in Progress Read More »
The summer season presents health and safety hazards that we should all consider, on or off the job.
Seasonal Health & Safety Read More »
If you think your business is too small for a hacker’s hit list, STOP. LOOK. And THINK again. It’s estimated, 43% of all cyber hits are against small businesses. What’s more, a single breach often puts the company out of business. Our recommendation: STOP. LOOK. THINK. Employee error is one of the leading causes of
Be a Hacker’s Headache: Stop, Look, Think Read More »
When it comes to recruiting and retaining key employees, business owners are learning the true power of job perks. Providing a 401(k) plan is not only good for business owners, but it’s becoming an essential offering for the job seekers. If you think you don’t have enough time, money, or knowledge to sponsor a 401(k)
The Employment Power of a 401(k) Read More »
Late spring and early summer bring warmer and warmer temperatures by the day, especially in the desert southwest. In the month of May, nationwide, high temperatures range between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but some cities are notoriously ‘hotter’ and/or more humid than others. Business leaders need to take precautions and understand the workplace Do’s
Heat Hazard: Workplace Do’s and Don’ts Read More »
The U.S. Department of Labor is trying, once again, trying to raise the overtime salary threshold for exempt defined employees to $35,308 per year, up from the current $23,660 which has been in place since 2004. This proposed rule would also raise the threshold for “highly-compensated employees” from $100,000 annually to $147,414 per year. All
Public Comment Underway on Proposed Increase to Overtime Threshold Read More »
Arizona’s Unemployment Rate increased slightly in 2019 to 5.1%. In the last quarter of 2018 unemployment was 4.9%.
The Business Impact of Unemployment Claims Read More »
Clearing clutter is an annual tradition in many households and office spaces, but the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) want you to clear your company’s digital clutter too. Digital spring cleaning should include personal data protections. This will make your business more secure and your employees better protected against identity theft. “It’s a
Spring Cleaning is Digital, Don’t You Know? Read More »
If you hire subcontractors to help you complete business projects you know how important it is to get their certificate of insurance for Workers’ Compensation. Without that paperwork, your own workers’ compensation carrier can charge you more for doing business. It’s imperative that proof of coverage comes quickly because delays are costly and nobody has
Time is Money: Pick your Workers’ Compensation Partner Wisely 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.
