Bob Bartosiewicz founded CGI Communications (Now CGI Digital) in 1987, building it into a 300-employee digital marketing company in Rochester, New York. The company creates promotional videos for municipalities and offers search engine optimization services, securing partnerships with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and National League of Cities.
In 2018, Rochester for All published investigations exposing allegations of violent workplace behavior, questionable business practices, and potential conflicts of interest. The company has since rebranded from CGI Communication to CGI Digital.
State Grant and Political Connections
In December 2017, the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council awarded CGI a $1.5 million state grant for downtown Rochester office expansion. The grant raised questions about potential favoritism given Bartosiewicz’s connections to Robert Duffy, former Rochester Mayor and Lieutenant Governor.
Duffy’s daughter worked for CGI, Duffy appointed Bartosiewicz to the Greater Rochester Sports Authority, and CGI sells video ads for the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce where Duffy serves as CEO. Duffy also co-chaired the FLREDC that approved CGI’s grant.
Bartosiewicz donated $8,000 to Mayor Lovely Warren’s campaign. Warren held her 2017 State of the City Address at the CGI complex downtown, and CGI sponsored city events.
Allegations of Workplace Abuse
Rochester for All interviewed eight former CGI employees who described a toxic workplace. Multiple workers accused Bartosiewicz of violent and disruptive behavior, berating staff with profanity during Monday morning meetings.
“He has these Monday morning meetings where he screams at everyone,” said a woman who worked at CGI from 2013 to 2016. Another former employee stated: “I went to bed every night shaking that I had to go back there the next day.”
In 2009, police responded when Bartosiewicz and another man got into a fist fight at Matthews East End Grill. “They were rolling around on the floor,” said co-owner Carl Falk. Officers gave Bartosiewicz a warning.
Female employees described inappropriate physical contact at company events. “The holiday parties would get kind of out of hand. He would randomly walk up to you and kiss you and hug you,” said a woman who worked at CGI from 2013 to 2016.
Bartosiewicz settled a lawsuit with a former executive assistant who claimed Bartosiewicz kneed him in the thigh, leading to a knee replacement.
Fake Reviews and Aggressive Sales Tactics
Rochester for All spoke with former employees who said they were directed to write fake reviews for CGI clients. Former employees on Glassdoor also raised concerns: “CGI is a company that has in the past (and may continue to) get paid to ‘improve’ the ratings of companies online by having employees create new email accounts and write fake reviews.”
“CGI does not post fake reviews,” said Pete Peterson, CGI’s General Counsel.
CGI faced complaints regarding aggressive sales tactics, misrepresentation, overcharging, and taking business from local vendors. A North Carolina mayor likened CGI’s services to a “city-authorized scam.”
Online Reviews Reveal Split Narrative
Glassdoor reviews show divided opinions. Several former employees described concerning conditions:
“This place is toxic. I don’t believe that they value their employees, and from my experience it seems like they exclusively hire students straight out of college.”
“When you traveled for CGI, you had to stay in the worst hotels rooms that cost under $80/night. Worst part was you were allowed to expense a whole $20 on food for the ENTIRE day!!”
Reddit discussions on r/Rochester have also criticized the company’s practices and workplace culture, with former employees sharing similar experiences.
However, some employees praised the company: “Over the past 3 years with the company, I have gone from a 21 year old college grad with ZERO sales experience, to being promoted numerous times and now making well over six figures a year.”
The Million-Dollar Muscle Car Lawsuit
In February 2019, Bartosiewicz traded three classic vehicles worth $1,025,000 to Minnesota-based Greg Nelsen for a rare 1971 Plymouth Barracuda for his Rochester Auto Museum.
After inspection revealed inconsistencies in “die lot numbers,” indicating replaced parts, Bartosiewicz sued alleging breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and fraud. Chief Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford ruled the New York court lacked jurisdiction, effectively transferring the case to Minnesota.
Company Rebranding
Following the 2018 controversies, Bartosiewicz legally changed his name from Robert to “Bob” and the company rebranded from “CGI Communication, Inc.” to “CGI Digital.”
Despite controversies, CGI Digital continues operations with 250-300 employees. The company received the 2024 Global Recognition Award for innovation in digital marketing.
Conclusion
Bob Bartosiewicz built CGI into a company with hundreds of employees and government partnerships nationwide. However, investigations from Rochester for All, Glassdoor reviews, Reddit discussions, and court documents reveal consistent allegations of workplace abuse, questionable business practices, and potential conflicts of interest.
Rochester for All called on governments to review their CGI relationships, noting “the behavior of the CEO and concerns of former employees and customers should lead to some soul-searching among government officials.”
For businesses and governments considering CGI Digital’s services, the documented controversies across multiple platforms warrant careful consideration alongside the company’s marketing materials and government endorsements.
Note: Bob Bartosiewicz and CGI Digital dispute many allegations. This article is based on investigative reporting, employee reviews, Reddit discussions, court documents, and public records.
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