Bob Bartosiewicz, founder of CGI Digital, learned the value of drive and hard work growing up in a large hardworking family in the small town of Thomaston, CT.
Bob’s passion was first expressed in sports, where he mastered vital lessons about leadership and teamwork.
After completing his degree at Western Connecticut State University, Bob excelled in sales, rising above his peers. These formative years shaped his approach to hiring, developing, and retaining top talent at his organization.
Bob recognized that his entrepreneurial spirit demanded more and identified a unique market opportunity.
He launched a business creating hand-drawn maps of cities, towns, and communities, which generated pride for local companies, drew customers to stores, and made lasting memories.
This venture birthed one of his signature philosophies: “We will be different, and if our ‘different’ is better, we win.”
That single-office venture has evolved into CGI Digital, which employs over 300 people across several satellite offices.
CGI Digital is one of upstate New York’s fastest-growing companies positioned firmly for future expansion. Outside of work, Bob channels his enthusiasm into family time with his wife and four children and his passion for collecting rare and classic cars.
Where did the idea for CGI Digital come from?
We started as Community Graphics, creating illustrated promotional maps showcasing community businesses with their logos. As video dominated the internet, we shifted our focus to digital content.
We developed video initiatives for cities and chambers of commerce, allowing us to market and sell video to local businesses early in the digital revolution.
Our partnerships with organizations like the US Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities significantly expanded our influence and reach nationwide.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I dedicate early mornings to focused meetings with my team, analyzing market trends, examining our product mix, and identifying improvements.
We evaluate both our company’s needs and those of other companies, which often translates into new product lines. Our philosophy is simple: if we need it, other companies probably need it, too.
How do you bring ideas to life?
We follow a three-part process:
- Moment of insight
- Refinement
- Execution
We also approach it by:
- Identifying the problems we face
- Creating and refining potential solutions
- Testing products internally with our employees
- Seeking honest feedback from trusted colleagues
What’s one trend that excites you?
The shift to remote work and companies’ growing need for a digital culture energizes me.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I constantly think about what’s next. I analyze the psychology of the marketplace, our clients, and our employees, ensuring these elements align within a cohesive framework. This mental organization helps me lead the company effectively.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Stay with it. Trust your intuition and outwork everyone else. Continue following the integrity-driven process I learned from my parents in my youth. Above all, maintain your course.
Tell us something true: almost nobody agrees with you.
While many believe you must choose between maintaining stability and pursuing new initiatives, we’ve proven you can do both while driving continuous growth.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you repeatedly recommend everyone else do?
I constantly analyze our present position while staying engaged in real time and anticipating future possibilities. This approach helps us repeat successes and minimize failures by applying past lessons.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
We’ve built a strong infrastructure while maintaining fresh product innovations. We prioritize employee engagement and push leadership toward new excellence levels while building on past successes.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I don’t view any experience as a failure because each setback teaches valuable lessons that help build better solutions. Failure only occurs when you give up.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Virus-killing, non-fogging COVID masks present an untapped opportunity.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I invested my last hundred dollars in AMC.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
My mobile phone and internet access prove invaluable. They let me maintain contact with leadership, monitor sales, and track company performance from anywhere.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
“The Score Takes Care of Itself: My Philosophy of Leadership” by Bill Walsh offers invaluable insights into effective leadership.
What is your favorite quote?
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
CGI Digital continues to thrive under Bob Bartosiewicz’s leadership. It adapts to market changes while maintaining its founding principles of innovation and community focus.
His journey demonstrates how determination, adaptability, and a clear vision can transform an entrepreneurial dream into a thriving enterprise.
CGI Digital‘s headquarters is at 130 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14604. Clients can contact the company by calling 800-398-3029 or the local number 585-427-0020.
The business is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.