“Do the Right Thing.”
Tom Bartelman is a results-oriented executive with over four decades of experience in industrial manufacturing, business development, and product strategy. With a career spanning 41 years, Tom has consistently demonstrated the ability to transform operations, optimize products, and guide organizations toward sustained competitive advantage. His professional journey has led him through key roles in manufacturing, procurement, cost management, and product innovation, making him a well-rounded and invaluable contributor to any board or executive leadership team.
Tom most recently held several leadership positions at Berry Global Corporation, a global leader in engineered materials. During his tenure, he served as Director of Product Management, Director of Business Development, and Pricing Manager. His work was instrumental in driving profitability and market expansion through strategic initiatives, technical innovation, and process optimization. Notably, he led the development of a market-leading product that secured an $18 million capital investment, with a patent and further capex proposals in process.
A consistent thread throughout Tom’s career has been his commitment to continuous improvement. He has a deep understanding of the full product lifecycle, from ideation and development to pricing, rationalization, and market expansion. His methodical approach combines data analysis, cross-functional leadership, and customer insights to build scalable strategies. His proficiency in product mapping, competitive analysis, and cost modeling has not only improved operational efficiency but also driven strategic market entry.
Earlier in his career, Tom spent over 15 years at Whirlpool Corporation, where he advanced through several strategic and operational roles. From Senior Target Cost Analyst to Procurement Project Manager and Lead Buyer, he influenced cost-saving initiatives that resulted in over $10 million in cash-flow improvements. He also led cross-functional teams to negotiate domestic and international long-term agreements (LTAs) and developed procurement models that were adopted across regions.
International exposure has played a significant role in Tom’s work. He has led supplier evaluations in Italy and China, purchased key components in Brazil and Japan, and worked closely with vendors in Mexico. This global perspective, paired with his domestic operations expertise, has made him adept at navigating supply chain complexities, sourcing strategies, and multinational negotiations.
Tom is known for his calm, values-driven leadership style, often guided by his personal motto, “Do the Right Thing.” He is deeply respected for his integrity, strategic foresight, and ability to mentor teams across departments. He thrives in environments that require clear vision, organized execution, and sustained innovation. His experience spans both high-volume manufacturing and niche industrial markets, allowing him to contribute meaningfully across a wide range of industries—excluding IT, which falls outside his focus.
Academically, Tom holds an MBA from the University of Southern Indiana and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Purdue University, with a minor in Industrial Engineering. He has also completed Design for Six Sigma training, reinforcing his analytical mindset and structured problem-solving capabilities. These academic foundations support his strategic and operational acumen and continue to influence his professional effectiveness.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Tom is an avid golfer, tennis player, and fitness enthusiast who enjoys spending time with his dog. His personal interests reflect a commitment to balance, discipline, and well-being—traits that also underscore his approach to leadership. Whether on the court or in the boardroom, Tom brings focus, energy, and resilience to every challenge.
Tom is now actively seeking board service opportunities where he can apply his leadership experience, strategic mindset, and global manufacturing insight to help organizations scale and succeed. He is particularly interested in contributing to industrial and manufacturing businesses seeking operational excellence, market growth, and innovation-driven differentiation.
For companies in need of a grounded, proven executive voice at the table, Tom Bartelman offers not just experience, but insight, character, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Character:
Tom is a principled leader who operates with integrity, humility, and a clear sense of right and wrong. His long-term career success stems from his consistent adherence to ethical standards and his ability to build trust across all levels of an organization.
Knowledge:
With expertise in product management, procurement, manufacturing, and strategy execution, Tom brings broad and deep knowledge to any business challenge. His academic background and decades of real-world experience allow him to identify and act on opportunities with clarity and precision.
Strategic:
Tom excels at developing and executing strategies that result in tangible outcomes, such as cost savings, new market entry, and product innovation. He aligns organizational goals with data-driven insights and fosters long-term value creation across functions.
Communication:
Clear, concise, and collaborative, Tom is a highly effective communicator who bridges the gap between technical, operational, and executive stakeholders. His ability to translate complex issues into actionable plans makes him a natural leader in cross-functional environments.
