Our People
The Heart of Our Success
We believe logistics is about more than moving items; it’s about crafting solutions, fostering strong relationships, and paying attention to every detail. By investing in our team’s tools, training, and support, we ensure they can tackle complex challenges and deliver impactful results. Partnering with Worldwide Freight Management means gaining a team that transforms challenges into success stories through collaboration, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to your goals.
Team Leads
Matt Metzger
Matt has been a cornerstone of Worldwide Freight Management since 2005, bringing over 30 years of expertise in logistics management. His approach to project management is straightforward and results-driven, reflecting his deep commitment to excellence. With an unwavering dedication to his craft, Matt has rarely missed a day of work in over 2 decades — a testament to his reliability and passion for what he does. His remarkable ability to manage people, processes, and projects sets him apart as one of the very best in the field of Hospitality Logistics.
Matt’s Team
- Valerie Agrusa, Project Coordinator
Nicole Penning
Director of Operations &
Project Director
Nicole wears two vital hats at WFM — Director of Operations and Project Director — balancing both roles with exceptional skill. With over two decades of experience in project managment, she has become an indispensable asset to some of WFM’s largest accounts.
Her ability to delegate effectively while maintaining a firm grasp on each project’s details sets her apart. Clients repeatedly request her by name, confident that under her leadership, every task will be executed with precision and efficiency. Her keen attention to detail, commitment to process adherence, and unwavering belief in WFM’s systems and services make her an outstanding leader and a driving force behind the company’s success.
Nicole’s Team
- Heather Staab, Project Coordinator
- Madison Gatewood, Project Coordinator
- Lorna Gerwitz, Project Expeditor
Casey Shaw
Project Director
Casey has been immersed in the world of logistics his entire life. Following in the footsteps of his father, Mike — who mentored Dave over 30 years ago — Casey brings a legacy of expertise to Worldwide Freight Management. With 10 years of experience in International Forwarding prior to joining Worldwide over 20 years ago, Casey has developed a deep understanding of global freight operations. His extensive knowledge and ongoing education in International Freight requirements ensure that Worldwide truly lives up to its name.
Casey’s Team
- Kim Jones, Project Manager
- Cassidee Wakefield, Project Coordinator
- Cathy Howard, Project Coordinator
Kate Czajkowski
Warehouse Director
Kate has been an integral part of Worldwide Freight Management for nearly five years, growing alongside the company through several key roles within the organization. Beginning as a Freight Expeditor, she quickly demonstrated her dedication and operational expertise, transitioning into positions as Warehouse Coordinator and Warehouse Project Manager before ultimately stepping into her current role as Warehouse Director.
Since taking on the leadership of the warehouse department, Kate has embraced the role with confidence and professionalism, providing valuable leadership, operational insight, and direction to both her team and WFM clients. Known for her reliability, attention to detail, and strong customer-focused approach, she consistently works to ensure projects run smoothly and efficiently from start to finish.
Her hands-on industry experience, leadership skills, and commitment to continuous improvement make her an invaluable part of the Worldwide team and a driving force behind the success of the warehouse division.
Kate’s Team
- Ashley Olson, Warehouse Coordinator
- Jakob Gentry, Warehouse Coordinator
Matt Olson
Install Director
Matt has played an important role in the continued growth of Worldwide Freight Management for nearly seven years, building his career through hands-on experience and a strong understanding of the logistics process from start to finish. Like many team members at WFM, Matt began his journey with the company as a Freight Expeditor, where he developed a solid foundation in project coordination, communication, and the fast-paced nature of hospitality logistics.
As his experience grew, Matt transitioned into the warehouse division, where he became actively involved in installation projects and onsite operations. His dedication, leadership, and ability to manage complex project demands allowed him to take on larger warehousing responsibilities and oversee key project operations.
Today, Matt serves as Co-Director of the Warehouse Department, where he plays an important role in leading warehouse operations, coordinating project execution, and supporting both clients and team members throughout every phase of a project. His extensive operational knowledge and commitment to delivering successful results continue to make him an integral part of the Worldwide Freight Management team.
Matt’s Team
- Kristen Edgerton, Warehouse Project Manager
- Kenny Howard, Warehouse Coordinator
Wenona Huff
Project Director
Wenona has been an invaluable member of the Worldwide Freight Management team for over 15 years, bringing her extensive industry experience to both the Warehousing and Freight sides of the business. From day one, she has played a key role in driving success, serving as a liaison between departments and as the primary point of contact for several of Worldwide’s largest accounts. Her dedication and expertise have not only fueled her own career growth but also contributed significantly to the company’s continued success.
Wenona’s Team
- Tiffany Hodges, Project Coordinator
Ashlyn Watson
Freight Project Manager
Ashlyn has been a dedicated member of the Worldwide Freight Management team for nearly 11 years, building her career through hands-on experience and a strong commitment to client success. She began her journey with WFM as a Freight Expeditor before transitioning into the role of Freight Coordinator, where she further developed her expertise in logistics operations and client support.
Today, Ashlyn serves as a Project Manager overseeing both freight and warehousing operations, bringing a well-rounded understanding of the industry and a solutions-focused approach to every project she manages. Known for her reliability, responsiveness, and attention to detail, she is committed to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring clients feel supported throughout every stage of the process.
Her extensive experience, strong work ethic, and dedication to maintaining lasting client relationships make her an invaluable part of the Worldwide team.
Ashlyn’s Team
- Tara Thweatt, Project Coordinator
Jenna Czajkowski
Freight Project Manager
Jenna has been a dedicated member of the Worldwide Freight Management team for nearly four years, growing within the company through several roles and developing a well-rounded background in logistics operations. She began as a Freight Expeditor before transitioning into a Freight Coordinator role and ultimately becoming a Freight Project Manager.
In addition to managing freight projects and guiding clients throughout each stage of the logistics process, Jenna also oversees the company’s social media presence and supports business development initiatives. Her strong communication skills, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service help ensure clients receive the support and responsiveness they have come to expect from WFM.
Her adaptability, industry knowledge, and team-focused approach make her a valuable part of the Worldwide team.
Jenna’s Team
- Tara Thweatt, Project Coordinator
Kirsten Erickson
Warehouse Project Manager
Kirsten serves as a Warehouse Project Manager at Worldwide Freight Management’s owned and operated Marianna, Florida warehouse. Over the past three years, she has become a valued member of the WFM team through her dedication, reliability, and commitment to delivering exceptional service to clients.
In her role, Kirsten is responsible for overseeing inventory management and coordinating the installation of product for client projects, helping ensure project timelines are met and budgets remain on track. Her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proactive approach allow operations to run smoothly from start to finish.
Known for her professionalism and customer-focused mindset, she consistently works to provide outstanding support and service, making her an important part of the continued success of WFM’s warehouse operations.
Kirsten’s Team
- Alexis Maurer, Warehouse Coordinator
Strategic Support Team
David Barton
With nearly 40 years in logistics, David built WFM from the ground up, transforming it into a leading force in the industry. His journey began with knocking on doors and learning to turn rejection into opportunity. Through sheer determination and the unwavering support of his wife Cindy, he turned “no” into “yes,” growing WFM into a debt-free, financially strong company built to weather any industry storm.
David’s passion has always been helping clients open properties on time and under budget. His commitment to reinvesting in the company — whether through custom-built software for the hospitality industry or employee well-being — is evident in WFM’s culture. As he approaches half a century in the industry, his passion remains as strong as ever. His philosophy? Say what you mean, do what you say, and always give your best.
Cindy Barton
For 27 years, Cindy built a successful career in the insurance industry, ultimately achieving the role of Special Investigator in claims. While Dave focused on growing WFM, Cindy balanced her corporate career, earned her bachelor’s degree, raised their children, and supported the family’s growing business.
Today, Cindy is a Managing Partner at WFM, bringing her corporate expertise into every aspect of the company. She plays a pivotal role in HR, employee placement, procedural development, and overseeing office operations. Thanks to her leadership, WFM offers employees unmatched benefits, 401(k) plans, and medical savings programs, ensuring the team is supported and valued.
Nicole Penning
Director of Operations
For over two decades, Nicole has been a cornerstone of Worldwide Freight Management, excelling in multiple roles that have shaped the company’s success. Now serving as Director of Operations, she has been instrumental in refining daily operations, streamlining procedures and enhancing software systems — driving both innovation and efficiency across the organization.
With deep expertise and a hands-on approach, Nicole is also a key leader in employee training, ensuring that every team member is equipped to deliver the exceptional customer service that defines WFM. Her leadership and commitment continue to propel the company forward, making her an invaluable part of the team.
Matt Pogue
Systems Director
With over 3 decades in IT—including a decade specializing in Information Security at major corporations like Mastercard and Ascension Healthcare—Matt is the heart and soul of the Worldwide IT department. He ensures that our data – as well as that of our clients – remains secure, our networks stay operational, and our employees remain productive.
Beyond systems management and security, Matt is the co-architect and developer of WFM’s proprietary tech stack, known internally as “The System.” When Dave Barton founded WFM, he envisioned a software solution tailored to hospitality project management, and when he found that no such tool existed, he set out to build one. Matt’s programming expertise turned that vision into reality, refining The System over two decades into the industry-leading technology that keeps WFM ahead of the competition.
Ava Manzella
Controller
Ava is more than just a part of the WFM team – she’s family. As the daughter-in-law of Dave and Cindy, she has given them their greatest treasure, their grandson Dax. But beyond family ties, Ava is a powerhouse when it comes to finance.
Her journey at WFM began like most employees, working as both an Expediter and Coordinator, but her skills and deep understanding of the business quickly earned her a promotion to Project Manager. However, it didn’t take long before one of Worldwide’s top clients recognized her talent and requested to bring her on as their own PM. Though she excelled in the role, life took a different turn, and with Dax in the picture, Ava returned to WFM at the perfect time—just as the company’s long-time Controller retired. It was a seamless transition, proving that sometimes, fate has the best plans.
Miley Westfall
Warehouse Billing Manager
As Miley nears a decade with WFM, her expertise in warehouse billing continues to deepen. Her role requires a keen eye for detail and precision, ensuring every charge is accounted for accurately. Miley brings that meticulous attention to every invoice, ensuring clients fully understand their charges and only pay for the services provided—never a dollar more.
Like many on the WFM team, Miley started in a clerical role but quickly rose through the ranks due to her love for numbers and her passion for accuracy. Now, as a management team member, she serves as the ultimate auditor, keeping warehouses aligned with contracts and maintaining financial integrity across all operations.
Bob Vetter
Warehouse Manager – New Florence
Bob serves as Warehouse Manager at Worldwide Freight Management’s owned and operated New Florence, Missouri warehouse, where he oversees the day-to-day warehouse operations with efficiency and professionalism. Although he has been with WFM for just under a year, Bob brings extensive prior warehouse experience that has made an immediate impact on the team and overall operation.
In his role, Bob is responsible for managing inbound and outbound deliveries, including product receiving, outbound coordination, warehouse organization, and labor management to ensure projects run smoothly and efficiently. His hands-on approach, operational knowledge, and commitment to maintaining organized and effective warehouse processes help ensure clients receive the high level of service they have come to expect from WFM.
Bob’s leadership, experience, and dedication to operational excellence make him a valuable asset to the Worldwide team.
It’s time to simplify your logistics.
Whether it’s a single-location installation or a complex nationwide rollout, Worldwide Freight Management provides the expertise, reliability and attention to detail your project needs. We handle the details so you can focus on what matters most.
