By: Georgette Virgo

Founder Bob Bartosiewicz has built a career running defiantly against the prevailing trends. While most tech entrepreneurs focus on building global ventures, he chose to anchor his digital marketing company in downtown Rochester. Instead of leasing sterile spaces in generic office parks, he invested in purchasing and renovating historic buildings.

Instead of focusing on Fortune 500 clients, his marketing agency, CGI Digital, tends to work with small-town chambers of commerce and small to medium businesses. His video magazine, Hellonation.com, often showcases popular local favorites and explores lesser-known places and activities that might interest him.

Behind this unique niche lies a distinct story of purpose from the small town of Thomaston, Connecticut, sharpened through decades of business evolution. What drives a successful CEO to reject the conventional playbook for success? 

Going Back to His Roots

Bartosiewicz’s foundational values were shaped in Thomaston, Connecticut, where he grew up in a family defined by work ethic and community commitment. His hardworking father, who worked in a factory, and his mother, who served as a nurse, instilled in him the principles of reliability, persistence, and service to others.

The close-knit community of Thomaston helped him understand how local businesses and municipal services form the backbone of American towns, an insight that would later inform his business vision. 

These formative experiences directly influenced Bartosiewicz’s business trajectory when he relocated to Rochester, New York. Initially selling rust-proofing for cars to combat winter corrosion, he soon spotted an opportunity in community mapping and founded Community Graphics Inc. This pivot was not merely a business decision but reflected his inherited values about community connection and practical problem-solving. 

“The rest is history,” Bartosiewicz mentions. “The journey wasn’t easy. From Community Graphics Inc. to CGI Digital, we have embraced change and used it to drive our strategies, striving to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations.”

Looking Outside the Limelight

As a self-made CEO, Bartosiewicz understands how pivotal moments of opportunity can help transform potential into achievement. Having built CGI Digital from scratch, he recognizes that success often hinges on seeing possibilities where others don’t. 

For Bartosiewicz, this journey was not about privileged connections or abundant resources but about identifying underserved needs in small communities and persistently developing solutions to address them. 

This philosophy directly shapes how CGI Digital and Hellonation.com champion the overlooked and underestimated. Bartosiewicz empowers small businesses with 10-15 employees by offering advanced digital marketing tools, leveling the playing field against larger corporations.

Hellonation.com’s platform transforms municipally owned attractions, cultural assets, and community traditions from local footnotes into compelling stories with national reach. Bartosiewicz seeks to establish local “go-to” experts, such as police chiefs, veterinarians, and civic leaders, across towns and states. This initiative aims to amplify underrepresented voices and foster community knowledge-sharing opportunities.

Bartosiewicz shares, “When a small-town museum or family restaurant appears on Hellonation.com, it receives the same quality of production and digital visibility that was once exclusive to major destinations and chains.”

This democratization of digital presence directly reflects Bartosiewicz’s conviction that hidden gems deserve their moment in the spotlight. They deserve that not as charity but because, when adequately showcased, their unique contributions strengthen the broader community.

A People-Centric Perspective

In his years in the business, Bartosiewicz’s service has been acknowledged, as evident by his recent recognition with the 2024 Global Recognition Award for his leadership in digital marketing as CEO of CGI Digital. From a modest startup, it grew into a thriving company with over 300 employees headquartered in Rochester, New York, actively participating in local revitalization efforts through marketing. 

Prestigious organizations like the US Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities have endorsed Bartosiewicz’s Hellonation.com. He used his business aptitude to diversify into various sectors, restore historic buildings in downtown Rochester, and create a unique “Digital SEO Backlink Strategy,” driving his company’s growth toward America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Beyond these accomplishments and recognitions, Bartosiewicz’s work has touched many people and communities across America. Over its 30-year history, his company has collaborated with numerous communities, contributing to local economies and highlighting the unique qualities that make each place special.

During challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, Bartosiewicz’s initiatives provided free business listings to struggling enterprises, demonstrating his belief that success isn’t measured by profit margins but by community resilience. 

Whether at CGI Digital or Hellonation.com, Bartosiewicz’s ultimate motivation has always been the people whose lives he touches. Behind his standards and relentless drive lies a fundamental commitment to uplifting communities and honoring the hardworking ethos instilled by his humble upbringing. This legacy continues to shape his outlook on business and life.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed herein reflect those of Bob Bartosiewicz and the author and do not constitute professional business or investment advice. Readers should conduct their own due diligence before making any business decisions based on the content provided.

Published by Stephanie M.