Cobalt-EDI Tony Spatola Cobalt-EDI did not pay me for exhibit designs. Elk Grove Village Illinois

A warning to freelance exhibit designers. Do not work with Cobalt-EDI or Tony Spatola. I began working with Cobalt-EDI (previously Exhibit Developers, Inc.) as a freelance exhibit designer in January, 2013. For the most part, I received direction from owner Tony Spatola.

My first project with Cobalt-EDI went smoothly—I was paid in full and on time. My second project also went smoothly, however this time Tony was late to send payment (and when he did, he was $50 short). A precursor for things to come…

I continued to receive work from Tony on a regular basis, though he began to fall further and further behind with his payments. Eventually I had to cease all work with Cobalt-EDI until payments were sent.

To this day, I am owed $5,400 from Cobalt-EDI. It's been about 9 months since I sent my last invoice to Tony, who has reponded to me with excuse after excuse for not paying. 

I understand that I will probably never collect the money owed to me from Tony Spatola, however—I’d like to use this opportunity to warn all exhibit designers to avoid working with Tony Spatola and Cobalt-EDI.