“Building anything great is messy,” especially when it comes to startups. Too often, startups overlook the importance of HR when they first starting out. This is a dangerous road to travel down. Did you know that in the last 5 years, 60% of companies have faced a lawsuit involving an employee? Or that the EEOC (Equal […]
Top Mistakes Startups Make When it Comes to HR and Payroll Read More »
At Focus HR, we are strong believers in the power of shopping local… at work! Many of us know the importance of shopping locally and supporting local restaurants, shops, and markets. But what about shopping locally at work? Spending local in the workplace is just as important. So next time you order office supplies or have more business
The Impact of Shopping Local Read More »
1. Performance Management: The Puzzle of Motivation – Dan Pink Have you ever had trouble figuring out the best way to motivate your employees? Well in this very enjoyable and witty Ted Talk, Dan Pink explores employee motivation. In doing so, he makes the bold statement that financial incentives such as (cash, bonuses, gift cards) actually
5 Ted Talks Every Small Business Owner Should Watch Read More »
We all know turnover is expensive, but you never quite realize just how expensive it really is. The infographic below from mindflash.com helps paint the picture, pointing out that a bad hire can cost a company well over $25,000 in addition to lost productivity and a decrease in employee morale. Bad hires often happen because
Finding Quality Employees Read More »
It’s proven that most employers fail to keep their employees engaged. Sadly, only 13% of employees worldwide feel engaged at work according to a 2013 study. What is engagement and why does engagement matter? To engage is to occupy, attract, or involve someone’s interest or attention. When employees are engaged with the company they work for, they are
7 Ways to Actually Engage Employees Read More »
At Focus HR, we love networking and mingling with local businesses. There are a lot of great groups in Tucson that aim to connect professionals in fun and meaningful way. Tucson Metro Chamber The TMC is a networking and business advocacy organization. They help Tucson businesses grow by providing support and they also advocate business friendly ballot-matter in
5 Ways to Network with Small Businesses in Tucson, AZ Read More »
5 HR New Year’s Resolutions Every Small Business Should Make As the year is closing, people are starting to look to 2015 with many personal goals whether it’s to travel, stay fit, or eat healthier… but what about setting some business resolutions. With all of the legislative changes that are happening, HR is more
5 HR New Year’s Resolutions Every Small Business Should Make Read More »
Did you know that in 2013 Americans collectively lost 169 million days of PTO? Too often, employees do not end up using their holiday time so they end up losing it or they are forced to use all in December. For companies who slow down at the end of the year this may not be
How to Avoid the Holiday PTO Trap Read More »
Nowadays, almost everybody has some form of social media profile. And many employees are not aware of what is appropriate when it comes to using social media in the office or posting about their jobs or employers. This is why it is essential for every business, no mater what its size, to have a social
Why You Need a Social Media Policy Read More »
When you hire a new employee, you are required by state and federal laws to collect certain forms from them within a certain amount of time. Form I-9 All new employees are required to complete section one of the I-9 Form by the end of their first day of work. The purpose of the I-9
6 Forms Employers Need to Collect for Each New Hire in Arizona Read More »
With individual health insurance open enrollment opening up this month, your employees might have some questions about their benefits. Here are some tips to prepare yourself. 1. Evaluate Your Current Offerings Reach out to your HR provider or health insurance broker to review your current plan. Most companies renew towards the end of the year, so
Obamacare Open Enrollment: What It Means for Small Businesses Read More »
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) both serve to protect employees who may need to be absent from work due to a disability or a health condition, but they are both handled differently from an HR perspective. They are often difficult to manage, implement, and comply with
3 Reasons to Outsource Leave Management: FMLA and ADA 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.
