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
Project Director
Matt has been a cornerstone of Worldwide Freight Management since 2020, bringing over 25 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 16 years — 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
- Lauren Knapp, 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 a decade 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
- Ashlyn Watson, Warehouse Project Manager
- Ashley Olson, Warehouse Coordinator
- Heather Staab, 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 nearly 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
- Jenna Czajkowski, Project Coordinator
- Cassidee Wakefield, Expeditor
Troy Manzella
Director of Carrier Sourcing
Troy, the son of Dave and Cindy, has been an integral part of Worldwide Freight Management for 17 years. Starting at an entry-level position, he worked his way up through hard work and dedication, ultimately earning his role as Director. Renowned for his exceptional customer service and organizational skills, Troy adeptly manages multiple projects, ensuring they stay on track. His passion for Worldwide extends beyond family ties, reflecting a deep commitment to the company’s success and values.
Troy’s Team
- Joe Potthoff, Truckload Operations Manager
- Skylar Conway, Broker Assistant
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 Expeditor
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 nearly 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
IT Director & Systems Architect
With over 25 years in IT—including a decade specializing in Information Security at major corporations like Mastercard and Ascension Healthcare—Matt is the heart and soul of WFM’s IT department. He ensures that WFM’s data, as well as that of its clients, remains secure, networks stay operational, and employees remain productive.
Beyond IT management, 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. When 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 all employees — starting as a clerical assistant to a Project Manager. Thanks to her skills and deep understanding of the business, she quickly earned a promotion to Project Manager. However, it didn’t take long before one of WFM’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.
Cindy Beache
Accounts Receivable Specialist
A lifelong friend of the Bartons, Cindy was asked to come out of retirement to lend her expertise to WFM’s accounts receivable department. With her calm and meticulous nature, she has an incredible ability to spot anomalies before they become issues, ensuring seamless client invoicing.
Cindy’s persistence and dedication make her an invaluable asset to WFM. While her role may not come with glamor or recognition, no successful small business can thrive without someone like Cindy behind the scenes. She is the problem-solver, the go-to person, and the financial backbone that ensures everything runs smoothly. As the team often says — “Show me the money, Cindy!”
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.
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.
