Leadership in Action: Lessons from DeCrescente Distributing

Written By: Danielle Godin

The Capital Region Human Resources Association HR Leadership Class of 2025 recently kicked off with its first session, hosted by DeCrescente Distributing Company in their impressive sales and marketing building. As one of fifteen HR professionals were selected for this year’s cohort, I had the opportunity to attend the opening session. From the moment we arrived, the experience was designed to showcase culture and engagement. The session began in DeCrescente’s very own on-site bar, where we sampled a coffee liqueur and even tried our hand at creating a signature cocktail. It set the tone for the day — fun, engaging, and a reminder that culture is not just built in meeting rooms, but through experiences that bring people together.

A Workplace Built for Engagement
As we toured the facility and spoke with company leaders, it became clear why DeCrescente has been recognized multiple times by the Albany Business Review as one of the Capital Region’s Best Places to Work. Their commitment to employee engagement is woven into every detail of the work environment. The work at DeCrescente can be demanding, and leadership understands that. That’s why they’ve been intentional in creating spaces that are thoughtful and comfortable, so employees feel at ease even when they are away from home. Both buildings we toured are designed with aesthetics and atmosphere in mind, and employees have access to a fully stocked kitchen with snacks for purchase and free soft drinks and coffee — small touches that create daily comfort and connection. Wellness is another cornerstone of their culture: an on-site clinic staffed by a physician’s assistant and physical therapist provides free care not only to employees but also to their immediate family members. This service helps with both work-related and personal health needs, while also ensuring workplace injuries are managed closely so employees can return safely and quickly. DeCrescente also takes a refreshingly unique approach to perks and celebrations. To support safety, they offer Uber rides for employees — if someone needs a ride home after a night out, the company pays for it and then covers the ride back to retrieve their car the next day. They also make a point to celebrate every employee’s birthday and work anniversary, not just milestone years like five, ten, or twenty. These gestures reinforce the message that every individual matters. Perhaps most impressive is how the organization listens to its people. Stay and exit interviews are not filed away in HR; instead, every executive reads them, carefully considers each idea, and provides feedback to employees. They follow up to explain whether suggestions will be implemented and why. This level of transparency and accountability is rare — and it builds trust in a powerful way.

Key Takeaways for HR Leaders
What stood out most during this session is how deliberate and multifaceted employee engagement must be in order to thrive. DeCrescente shows that culture is intentional - built through thoughtful spaces, consistent recognition, and everyday perks that make life easier and more enjoyable. Their approach to wellness reflects a holistic investment in people, offering accessible healthcare that extends to families and emphasizes prevention and safe recovery. At the same time, their transparency in feedback — with executives directly reading and responding to stay and exit interviews — highlights how listening at the highest level strengthens trust and accountability. Together, these practices remind us that engagement is not just about big programs or recognition events, but about weaving care, respect, and intentionality into the daily employee experience.