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Validate Before You Celebrate

Validate Before You Celebrate: The Core Philosophy of INCENTCO

In today’s fast-paced business environment, recognizing and rewarding employees is crucial to maintaining morale, motivation, and overall productivity. However, the approach to recognition can significantly impact its effectiveness. At INCENTCO, we believe in the principle of “Validate before you celebrate!” This philosophy underscores the importance of meaningful and thoughtful validation of employee contributions before celebrating their achievements. Randomly distributing awards can backfire, leading to disengagement and dissatisfaction. This is precisely why we integrated communication tools into our platform to ensure every recognition is well-founded and impactful.

The Pitfalls of Hasty Recognition

While it might seem that more awards and recognition would naturally lead to happier employees, the reality is more nuanced. When recognition is given without proper validation, it can feel arbitrary or insincere. Employees might start to perceive awards as meaningless gestures rather than genuine acknowledgments of their hard work and contributions. This can lead to a range of negative outcomes, from decreased motivation to feelings of favoritism and unfairness within the team.

INCENTCO’s Integrated Solutions

To address these challenges, INCENTCO has developed a suite of integrated tools designed to ensure that recognition is both meaningful and well-deserved. These tools include:

  • Surveys: Regular surveys provide insights into employee satisfaction, engagement, and areas where they feel their efforts are or are not being recognized. This data helps managers understand the broader sentiment within their teams.
  • Feedback Forms: These forms allow for continuous feedback, giving employees a platform to express their thoughts and suggestions. This ongoing dialogue helps create a culture of openness and mutual respect.
  • Pulse Meters: Pulse meters offer a real-time gauge of employee mood and engagement levels. This tool helps managers identify trends and address issues before they escalate.
  • Virtual Suggestion Box: This digital tool empowers employees to share ideas and concerns anonymously. It ensures that even those who might be hesitant to speak up in person have a voice.

Complementing, Not Replacing, Personal Interaction

While these tools are invaluable for gathering data and understanding employee sentiments, they are not meant to replace one-on-one conversations. Personal interactions remain a cornerstone of effective management. The insights gained from our tools can enhance these conversations, providing a solid foundation for discussing individual and team performance.

The Impact of Validation

When employees feel heard and understood, it validates their efforts and reinforces their value to the organization. This validation goes beyond mere words; it demonstrates that their opinions and contributions are integral to the company’s success. By acknowledging their true worth as individuals and contributors, we foster a deeper sense of loyalty and commitment.

At INCENTCO, “Validate before you celebrate” is more than just a slogan; it’s a commitment to fostering a workplace culture where recognition is meaningful and deserved. By integrating tools like surveys, feedback forms, pulse meters, and virtual suggestion boxes, we ensure that employee recognition is based on genuine validation. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of rewards but also strengthens the overall relationship between employees and management. When validation precedes celebration, everyone wins.

Industry insights

Employee Engagement: A Critical Priority in an Unstable Economy

When employees feel valued and engaged, they are more likely to stay committed, even amidst external economic challenges.

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Uncertainty Can Be a Catalyst for Growth at Work

When recognition becomes a strategy, not a sentiment, you don’t just survive uncertain times—you build a team that thrives because of them.

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Employee Retention in 2025: Key Trends, Challenges, and Strategies

The latest retention statistics paint a picture of a workforce hungry for engagement, respect, and growth.

read more

Employee Engagement Is Falling. Here’s How to Turn It Around

The companies that succeed in 2025 won’t be the ones that throw around the biggest bonuses once a year. They’ll be the ones that create daily moments of connection, recognition, and purpose.

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From Breakroom Celebrations to Company-Wide Connection

When recognition comes only from the top down, it can feel performative. When it comes from all directions—leaders and peers—it becomes something more: A culture. A moment. A bond.

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Employee Experience: Every Step Shapes Success

A positive employee experience brings multiple benefits to both employees and the organization, while a poor experience can lead to disengagement, high turnover, and reduced productivity.

read more
Copyright INCENTCO, LLC © 2026
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Gerry Wiatrowski

Co-Founder and CMO

As a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of INCENTCO, Greg Smith provides strategic direction and oversight to the INCENTCO operation in the areas of strategic planning, finance, accounting, capital funding, legal, human resources, operations, sales management, technology services, as well as investor communications and distributions. Mr. Smith, with over 35 years of broad business experience, especially in multiple facets of the Real Estate industry, brings with him a diverse track record of accomplishments and experience to the INCENTCO organization.

Prior to joining INCENTCO in 2009, Mr. Smith was an Executive Vice President of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR). His 14 year career at EQR included key positions on the Executive and Investment
Committees, EVP and President of EQR’s Central Division, EVP of Asset Management, as well as EVP of Portfolio Management. He played a significant role in the growth of the company, as it peaked to over 220,000 apartments during his tenure.

Mr. Smith’s extensive senior level career in the Real Estate industry includes positions at Strategic Realty Advisors Inc., (a real estate and advisory company) as Senior Vice President, and VMS Realty Partners, a sponsor of public and private real estate limited partnerships. Mr. Smith also founded and operated Lombard Properties, a private real estate investment and development company based in Dallas, Texas.

Gerry Wiatrowski

Co-Founder and CMO

As a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of INCENTCO, Greg Smith provides strategic direction and oversight to the INCENTCO operation in the areas of strategic planning, finance, accounting, capital funding, legal, human resources, operations, sales management, technology services, as well as investor communications and distributions. Mr. Smith, with over 35 years of broad business experience, especially in multiple facets of the Real Estate industry, brings with him a diverse track record of accomplishments and experience to the INCENTCO organization.

Prior to joining INCENTCO in 2009, Mr. Smith was an Executive Vice President of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR). His 14 year career at EQR included key positions on the Executive and Investment
Committees, EVP and President of EQR’s Central Division, EVP of Asset Management, as well as EVP of Portfolio Management. He played a significant role in the growth of the company, as it peaked to over 220,000 apartments during his tenure.

Mr. Smith’s extensive senior level career in the Real Estate industry includes positions at Strategic Realty Advisors Inc., (a real estate and advisory company) as Senior Vice President, and VMS Realty Partners, a sponsor of public and private real estate limited partnerships. Mr. Smith also founded and operated Lombard Properties, a private real estate investment and development company based in Dallas, Texas.

Gerry Wiatrowski

Co-Founder and CMO

As a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of INCENTCO, Greg Smith provides strategic direction and oversight to the INCENTCO operation in the areas of strategic planning, finance, accounting, capital funding, legal, human resources, operations, sales management, technology services, as well as investor communications and distributions. Mr. Smith, with over 35 years of broad business experience, especially in multiple facets of the Real Estate industry, brings with him a diverse track record of accomplishments and experience to the INCENTCO organization.

Prior to joining INCENTCO in 2009, Mr. Smith was an Executive Vice President of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR). His 14 year career at EQR included key positions on the Executive and Investment
Committees, EVP and President of EQR’s Central Division, EVP of Asset Management, as well as EVP of Portfolio Management. He played a significant role in the growth of the company, as it peaked to over 220,000 apartments during his tenure.

Mr. Smith’s extensive senior level career in the Real Estate industry includes positions at Strategic Realty Advisors Inc., (a real estate and advisory company) as Senior Vice President, and VMS Realty Partners, a sponsor of public and private real estate limited partnerships. Mr. Smith also founded and operated Lombard Properties, a private real estate investment and development company based in Dallas, Texas.

Gerry Wiatrowski

Co-Founder and CMO

As a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of INCENTCO, Greg Smith provides strategic direction and oversight to the INCENTCO operation in the areas of strategic planning, finance, accounting, capital funding, legal, human resources, operations, sales management, technology services, as well as investor communications and distributions. Mr. Smith, with over 35 years of broad business experience, especially in multiple facets of the Real Estate industry, brings with him a diverse track record of accomplishments and experience to the INCENTCO organization.

Prior to joining INCENTCO in 2009, Mr. Smith was an Executive Vice President of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR). His 14 year career at EQR included key positions on the Executive and Investment
Committees, EVP and President of EQR’s Central Division, EVP of Asset Management, as well as EVP of Portfolio Management. He played a significant role in the growth of the company, as it peaked to over 220,000 apartments during his tenure.

Mr. Smith’s extensive senior level career in the Real Estate industry includes positions at Strategic Realty Advisors Inc., (a real estate and advisory company) as Senior Vice President, and VMS Realty Partners, a sponsor of public and private real estate limited partnerships. Mr. Smith also founded and operated Lombard Properties, a private real estate investment and development company based in Dallas, Texas.

Gerry Wiatrowski

Co-Founder and CMO

As a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of INCENTCO, Greg Smith provides strategic direction and oversight to the INCENTCO operation in the areas of strategic planning, finance, accounting, capital funding, legal, human resources, operations, sales management, technology services, as well as investor communications and distributions. Mr. Smith, with over 35 years of broad business experience, especially in multiple facets of the Real Estate industry, brings with him a diverse track record of accomplishments and experience to the INCENTCO organization.

Prior to joining INCENTCO in 2009, Mr. Smith was an Executive Vice President of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR). His 14 year career at EQR included key positions on the Executive and Investment
Committees, EVP and President of EQR’s Central Division, EVP of Asset Management, as well as EVP of Portfolio Management. He played a significant role in the growth of the company, as it peaked to over 220,000 apartments during his tenure.

Mr. Smith’s extensive senior level career in the Real Estate industry includes positions at Strategic Realty Advisors Inc., (a real estate and advisory company) as Senior Vice President, and VMS Realty Partners, a sponsor of public and private real estate limited partnerships. Mr. Smith also founded and operated Lombard Properties, a private real estate investment and development company based in Dallas, Texas.

Greg Smith

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer

As a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of INCENTCO, Greg Smith provides strategic direction and oversight to the INCENTCO operation in the areas of strategic planning, finance, accounting, capital funding, legal, human resources, operations, sales management, technology services, as well as investor communications and distributions. Mr. Smith, with over 35 years of broad business experience, especially in multiple facets of the Real Estate industry, brings with him a diverse track record of accomplishments and experience to the INCENTCO organization.

Prior to joining INCENTCO in 2009, Mr. Smith was an Executive Vice President of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR). His 14 year career at EQR included key positions on the Executive and Investment
Committees, EVP and President of EQR’s Central Division, EVP of Asset Management, as well as EVP of Portfolio Management. He played a significant role in the growth of the company, as it peaked to over 220,000 apartments during his tenure.

Mr. Smith’s extensive senior level career in the Real Estate industry includes positions at Strategic Realty Advisors Inc., (a real estate and advisory company) as Senior Vice President, and VMS Realty Partners, a sponsor of public and private real estate limited partnerships. Mr. Smith also founded and operated Lombard Properties, a private real estate investment and development company based in Dallas, Texas.

Gerry Wiatrowski

Co-Founder and CMO

As a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of INCENTCO, Greg Smith provides strategic direction and oversight to the INCENTCO operation in the areas of strategic planning, finance, accounting, capital funding, legal, human resources, operations, sales management, technology services, as well as investor communications and distributions. Mr. Smith, with over 35 years of broad business experience, especially in multiple facets of the Real Estate industry, brings with him a diverse track record of accomplishments and experience to the INCENTCO organization.

Prior to joining INCENTCO in 2009, Mr. Smith was an Executive Vice President of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR). His 14 year career at EQR included key positions on the Executive and Investment
Committees, EVP and President of EQR’s Central Division, EVP of Asset Management, as well as EVP of Portfolio Management. He played a significant role in the growth of the company, as it peaked to over 220,000 apartments during his tenure.

Mr. Smith’s extensive senior level career in the Real Estate industry includes positions at Strategic Realty Advisors Inc., (a real estate and advisory company) as Senior Vice President, and VMS Realty Partners, a sponsor of public and private real estate limited partnerships. Mr. Smith also founded and operated Lombard Properties, a private real estate investment and development company based in Dallas, Texas.

Gerry Wiatrowski

Co-Founder and CMO

As a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of INCENTCO, Greg Smith provides strategic direction and oversight to the INCENTCO operation in the areas of strategic planning, finance, accounting, capital funding, legal, human resources, operations, sales management, technology services, as well as investor communications and distributions. Mr. Smith, with over 35 years of broad business experience, especially in multiple facets of the Real Estate industry, brings with him a diverse track record of accomplishments and experience to the INCENTCO organization.

Prior to joining INCENTCO in 2009, Mr. Smith was an Executive Vice President of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR). His 14 year career at EQR included key positions on the Executive and Investment
Committees, EVP and President of EQR’s Central Division, EVP of Asset Management, as well as EVP of Portfolio Management. He played a significant role in the growth of the company, as it peaked to over 220,000 apartments during his tenure.

Mr. Smith’s extensive senior level career in the Real Estate industry includes positions at Strategic Realty Advisors Inc., (a real estate and advisory company) as Senior Vice President, and VMS Realty Partners, a sponsor of public and private real estate limited partnerships. Mr. Smith also founded and operated Lombard Properties, a private real estate investment and development company based in Dallas, Texas.

Gerry Wiatrowski

Co-Founder and CMO

As a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of INCENTCO, Greg Smith provides strategic direction and oversight to the INCENTCO operation in the areas of strategic planning, finance, accounting, capital funding, legal, human resources, operations, sales management, technology services, as well as investor communications and distributions. Mr. Smith, with over 35 years of broad business experience, especially in multiple facets of the Real Estate industry, brings with him a diverse track record of accomplishments and experience to the INCENTCO organization.

Prior to joining INCENTCO in 2009, Mr. Smith was an Executive Vice President of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR). His 14 year career at EQR included key positions on the Executive and Investment
Committees, EVP and President of EQR’s Central Division, EVP of Asset Management, as well as EVP of Portfolio Management. He played a significant role in the growth of the company, as it peaked to over 220,000 apartments during his tenure.

Mr. Smith’s extensive senior level career in the Real Estate industry includes positions at Strategic Realty Advisors Inc., (a real estate and advisory company) as Senior Vice President, and VMS Realty Partners, a sponsor of public and private real estate limited partnerships. Mr. Smith also founded and operated Lombard Properties, a private real estate investment and development company based in Dallas, Texas.

Gerry Wiatrowski

Co-Founder and CMO

As a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of INCENTCO, Greg Smith provides strategic direction and oversight to the INCENTCO operation in the areas of strategic planning, finance, accounting, capital funding, legal, human resources, operations, sales management, technology services, as well as investor communications and distributions. Mr. Smith, with over 35 years of broad business experience, especially in multiple facets of the Real Estate industry, brings with him a diverse track record of accomplishments and experience to the INCENTCO organization.

Prior to joining INCENTCO in 2009, Mr. Smith was an Executive Vice President of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR). His 14 year career at EQR included key positions on the Executive and Investment
Committees, EVP and President of EQR’s Central Division, EVP of Asset Management, as well as EVP of Portfolio Management. He played a significant role in the growth of the company, as it peaked to over 220,000 apartments during his tenure.

Mr. Smith’s extensive senior level career in the Real Estate industry includes positions at Strategic Realty Advisors Inc., (a real estate and advisory company) as Senior Vice President, and VMS Realty Partners, a sponsor of public and private real estate limited partnerships. Mr. Smith also founded and operated Lombard Properties, a private real estate investment and development company based in Dallas, Texas.