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 »
Starting in 2023, 13 U.S. states will receive a minimum wage increase. In most cases, the wage increase will go into effect on January 1, 2023, though a few states have a mid-year increase scheduled for July 1. The federal minimum wage (currently $7.25) will remain the same. Note that many California localities are adding
2023 Minimum Wage Updates: What Changes Are Coming by State? Read More »
As a small business owner, you may be thinking about hiring an outsourced payroll service. This approach can be a great way to save time and money, but whether it’s the best option for your company really depends on a variety of factors. When it comes to the benefits of a local Professional Employer Organization
Benefits of a Local Arizona PEO vs. a National PEO or Payroll Provider Read More »
This month, we’d like you to meet Adam James. Adam is our Technology Implementation Manager here at Focus HR —which means he helps clients leverage the offerings on our digital platform, making it easier to manage their teams and recruit new employees. Adam is one of the most genuine and kind people you will ever
We’d like to take a little time each month to introduce you to one of our amazing team members here at Focus HR. This month, we’re featuring Beverly, our Payroll Lead and Client Liaison. Beverly just recently moved to Arizona in 2021 with her husband, from Shreveport, Louisiana, where she was born and raised… and
Focus is your HR partner, here to help you navigate the confusing landscape of payroll and employee administration. There are some important changes coming up in 2022 that could affect your business. Below is a list of the top changes that you should be aware of. Rest assured we are handling everything on our end
25 states are raising their minimum wage in 2022. Additionally, 5 states are increasing the minimum salary requirement for overtime exemption on January 1, 2022. To ensure your organization is aware of the latest minimum wage requirements, please check out our breakdown by state and locality. MINIMUM WAGE UPDATES State 2021 Minimum Wage 2022 Minimum
2022 Minimum Wage and Salary Threshold Changes by State and Locality Read More »
Happy Employees Are Good For Business Sign up for a free consultation with Clint, our business development manager, to review your HR approach and help you unlock growth for your business. When a growing creative agency was drowning in administrative tasks, they called in Focus HR to bring them back from the BRINK. BRINK, a Tucson-based
After the rollercoaster of 2020, it looks like it’s finally time to get back to business. However, you may notice that your employees are disconnected and less motivated after the chaos and instability of the past year. While this could just be a temporary setback, it’s worth remedying if you’re hoping to start off the
What would you do with 200 hours of free time? In that same span of time, Jack Kerouac and Charles Dickens wrote On the Road and A Christmas Carol, respectively, while Picasso painted Guernica in under three weeks. This is what time can buy you. Sure, you might not write your Great American novel or
Time to Grow: How to Free Up Your Time and Grow Your Business Read More »
Things are finally starting to look up. After the whiplash of last year, with the pandemic leaving no corner of the economy untouched, small businesses are starting to feel some relief as they begin to experience a dose of stability. However, as the storm of 2020 clears, there exist more hidden—but no less dangerous—risks on
Local business coach and author, Stephanie Rising hosts the podcast, Small Biz, Big Voices, which is broadcasted monthly on Tucson Business Radio X. In the latest podcast (episode 19), Stephanie interviews our Business Development Manager, Clint Parry on business growth and personal development. Listen to the full podcast episode below ⤵️
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.
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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.
