ENGINEERED TO EXPLORE
The mind behind the machine. From IBM midrange systems to modern enterprise APIs, my career has been a continuous adventure in learning, building, solving problems, and turning ideas into reality.
Explore My JourneyTHE ENGINEER BEHIND THE ADVENTURES
I'm Keith Bartman. Since 1985, I've worked across generations of technology, from IBM System/38 and AS/400 platforms to web applications, e-commerce, and enterprise integrations.
I've worked for large organizations, built software businesses of my own, and learned that the most rewarding projects usually begin with a challenge worth figuring out.
These days, my engineering work and outdoor adventures share the same philosophy: keep learning, keep exploring, and make work seem like play.
THE JOURNEY SO FAR
1985–1992
Supported IBM System/38 and AS/400 customers through system implementations, migrations, performance tuning, technical training, and application development. Received multiple IBM Symposium Awards for systems engineering excellence.
1992–Present
Built business applications across IBM midrange systems, warehouse operations, e-commerce, corporate web platforms, and enterprise integrations. Technologies evolved from RPG and JD Edwards integrations to Java, PHP, SQL, and MuleSoft.
2021–Present
Designed and developed backend integrations and REST APIs using MuleSoft, DataWeave, Java, and JavaScript, alongside full-stack work across enterprise commerce platforms.
2001–Present
Created and marketed web and desktop software, combining application design, development, customer support, and entrepreneurship.
Some roles and projects overlap. Dates and current business details can be updated when the admin editor is added.
THINGS I'VE BUILT
EARLY E-COMMERCE
Helped develop a desktop e-commerce application installed in approximately 3,000 school districts before the web became mainstream.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Built pictorial-directory software for organizations, growing an early Visual Basic application into web and desktop products.
ENTERPRISE INTEGRATION
Designed services that connect business platforms and synchronize data through real-time and batch integrations.
PRACTICAL INNOVATION
Developed custom warehouse applications and improvised scanning hardware to solve real operational problems.
THE TOOLKIT
THE FOUNDATION
Ashland University: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, with a mathematics minor. Three-year starter on the NCAA Division II football team, Dean's List, and IBM co-op during senior year.
IBM: Multiple Symposium Awards recognizing systems engineering excellence. School Specialty: Pride Team Award for intranet design and development.
COMING NEXT
Project stories, technical challenges, and lessons learned. This section will eventually display Software Engineering posts from the same publishing system as the Adventure Journal.