James Bartelme serves as business development manager for the Caterpillar World Trading Corporation, responsible for selling material and services acquired as part of trade agreements from the sale of Caterpillar equipment.

Bartelme leads by example, as demonstrated in his progressive career growth from commercial buyer to his current position. He achieved $6 million in commodity sales for Caterpillar trade partners by successfully implementing a sourcing strategy with suppliers of recyclable iron and steel scrap; developed Caterpillar World Trade’s Building Stone program, resulting in 11 new commodity outlets for Caterpillar customers; and led the procurement of concrete aggregates for the company’s new engine assembly plant in Seguin, Texas, executing agreements with three new trade partners instrumental to future machine sales.

Bartelme has also led the Six Sigma project teams that improved efficiency in the engine orders process, developed the English and multilingual versions of the Electric Power Genset Sizing Tool application, orchestrated the Sizing Tool’s global release, and led dealer training sessions in Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Switzerland and Northern Ireland.

A West Point graduate, Bartelme served with distinction as a commissioned officer in the Infantry branch of the Regular Army, earning the rank of captain before joining Caterpillar in 2001. His military service was highlighted by overseas deployments to the Middle East, Central America and Southeast Asia, with increasing leadership roles in various combat units. He also volunteered as a coach for the Special Olympics and participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life while in service.

Bartelme continues to impact the community in central Illinois by serving on the Planning Committee for Bradley University’s Executive MBA speaker series. He has also participated in and supported the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, Easter Seals disability services, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and Caterpillar employees’ United Way Appeal
Builders Circle.

While working for Caterpillar, Bartelme completed a master’s degree in engineering management, and he is currently working toward his Executive MBA. He has been awarded the Electric Power Dealer Advisory Team’s award for outstanding customer service and the President Award for the corporate Annual Quality Improvement competition. He is a Six Sigma Certified Black Belt and Certified Professional Facilitator, and holds certification in Production and Inventory Management. iBi