A scheduled bump to the minimum wage in Arizona takes effect January 1, 2019, and there’s another payroll increase coming in 2020. The current increase of $.50 will take the minimum wage to $11.00 per hour. January 1, 2020, there will be an additional increase of $1.00, bringing Arizona’s minimum wage to $12.00 an hour. […]
Arizona Employees Get a Raise in 2019 Read More »
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body” so it’s not too late to get protected. The annual flu season typically runs from October to May, and a new study’s come out saying that the
NEW STUDY: Heart Failure Patients Need the Flu Vaccine Read More »
Washington, D.C. ~ The latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index is out and finding qualified workers remains the biggest challenge for small business owners heading into 2019. After the mid-term elections in November, American business owners were asked about the current business climate and their outlook for the new year. Nearly one in five say their biggest
Small Business Survey: Finding Qualified Workers is Still the Biggest Challenge Read More »
Whether your business is big or small, outsourcing to a PEO (Professional Employer Organization) will save you time and money. There are several reasons to join a PEO like Focus HR, Inc: Timekeeping and Payroll Administration– This task is hardly rocket science but nothing upsets employees more than paycheck errors. Business owners can trust a
Why Outsourcing to a PEO is Smart Business Read More »
It won’t be long before payroll specialists are mailing W2 forms to employees for the 2018 tax filing deadline. Unfortunately, without fail, they’ll also hit the same, notorious snag: LOST W2 FORMS SENT TO OUTDATED MAILING ADDRESSES. Anyone who has moved within the last year must update their mailing address if they hope to receive
Only YOU Can Prevent This Tax Filing Fire Read More »
January 1, 2019, Arizona businesses will see the minimum wage increase to $11.00 per hour. This is a scheduled bump approved by voters in 2016 through The Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act. The ballot measure gradually increases Arizona’s minimum wage over a period of three years and also requires earned paid sick time for Arizona employees.
Arizona Businesses Brace for Another Minimum Wage Increase Read More »
Accidents can happen in any work environment but there are safety measures you can take to make incidents less likely. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA,) 5,190 workers were killed on the job in 2016. That’s an average of more than 99 a week or more than 14 deaths every day, and one
10 Tips for Workplace Safety Read More »
TUCSON – The organization tracking employment trends, best practices, and innovative ideas in the workplace is recognizing Focus HR’s Greg Stutz for his exceptional strength in leadership as Chief Operating Officer. At the 2018 Celebrating Innovation in the Workplace Awards in Tucson, the Society for Human Resource Management Greater Tucson (SHRM-GT) recognized Stutz for his ability to
Focus HR’s Greg Stutz Recognized for Leadership Read More »
Changes made by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will affect your 2018 tax return. The law revised personal exemptions, as well as the Child Tax Credit so, to avoid unpleasant surprises this tax season, the IRS is encouraging everyone to do a “Paycheck Checkup.” There’s an online withholding calculator available so you can determine if you’re
Federal Income Tax: Are You Withholding Enough? Read More »
Beginning January 1, 2019, Arizona businesses with fewer than twenty employees will be required to offer COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985.) This new mandate applies to medical group plans only. Stand-alone dental and vision plans do not apply. Here’s the bill passed last spring by the Arizona Senate. Who must comply? Employer
Coming Soon: Arizona’s Mini-COBRA Law Read More »
You can ask job candidates a plethora of questions, but there’s one we strongly recommend you avoid: “How much money did you/do you make?” There’s no harm in asking why a candidate wants to work with your company, what motivates them, or how knowledgeable they are with certain computer applications, but lawmakers nationwide are pushing for a Salary History
Are You Hiring? Don’t Ask This Question! Read More »
Is your workers’ compensation insurance premium uncomfortably high? If you have a history of Workers’ Compensation claims, if your company is newly established, or if it’s labeled high-risk for injuries, you’re probably swimming in the “assigned risk pool.” Business owners want to dive in on the open market because that’s where insurance companies offer lower rates and
Work Comp Premiums: Drowning in the Assigned Risk Insurance Pool? 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.
