It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years.
What started as a way to stay connected to human resources while raising a family has grown into something far more meaningful than I ever expected.
To celebrate FocusHR’s 20th “birthday,” each month for the rest of the year, I’ll be posting my reflections.
A Simple Start with a Bigger Purpose
In the beginning, the model was simple.
I worked hourly, partnered with a handful of small businesses, and focused on helping them get HR right. That meant putting practical foundations in place and supporting teams so they could function more effectively.
What stood out early on was how many business owners didn’t fully realize everything HR required, and that realization stayed with me. It created a sense of responsibility to step in and help in a way that was both impactful and approachable.
From Compliance to Retention and Culture
Much of the early work centered on compliance, and for good reason.
The cost of getting it wrong can be significant, but it didn’t take long to realize that compliance is only one piece of the equation. The bigger questions started to take shape. How do you reduce turnover? How do you create an environment where people want to stay?
That shift expanded the focus from policies alone to the people behind them, and it continues to influence how we support clients today.
Building the Team While Living the Work
As the business grew, so did the need to build a team.
That brought a new level of perspective because I now had to apply the same principles I was advising clients on. Hiring thoughtfully, creating a supportive work environment, and maintaining a high level of service became part of the daily focus.
Bringing on Heather, our COO, was a turning point. She’s been an incredible partner in shaping strategy, strengthening the team, and elevating how we work with clients.
What Has Stayed the Same
While many aspects of the business have evolved, some things have remained consistent from day one.
We respond quickly, stay attentive, and create an experience where clients feel supported and know we’re there when they need us. Most importantly, we strive to be a trusted resource.
Those principles were built into the foundation of Focus HR and continue to guide every client relationship.
Adapting Across Generations
Over the past two decades, we’ve had the opportunity to work across multiple generations, from Gen X to Millennials to Gen Z, with Gen Alpha not far behind.
Each group brings different expectations, communication styles, and workplace priorities. Adapting to those differences has been both a challenge and a valuable learning experience, shaping how we approach HR in a way that feels relevant and grounded in today’s workplace realities.
The Reality of Running a Business
Running a business has also been an education.
Like many entrepreneurs, I started with the assumption that if you do good work, clients will find you. What became clear is that building a business requires a much broader skill set. Sales, marketing, and financial management all play a role.
Having the right people to learn from, whether it’s a sales coach, marketing peers, or a trusted accountant, has made a meaningful difference in how the business has grown.
Becoming Part of the Village
That idea of support has come full circle.
It takes a village to run a business, and today, Focus HR has the opportunity to be part of that village for our clients. We work with organizations across the country, helping them build stronger teams, make better decisions, and create workplaces where people can succeed.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the support that made this possible, from my family to our team and their families, as well as the clients who have trusted us along the way.
What started small has grown into something bigger than I imagined, and there’s still more ahead.
About Focus HR, Inc.
Focus HR, Inc. uncomplicates the people side of business by providing small business owners with outsourced HR, project HR, and Leadership Coaching. For more information, please contact us today! If you liked this post, please subscribe to our blog. You can opt-out at any time.
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