Career History
Experience & Integrity
A career defined not just by titles and companies, but by the consistent application of financial discipline, operational honesty, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
On Integrity
"In every role I've held, integrity wasn't a policy — it was the operating principle. When you're managing the finances of a NASDAQ-listed company, or stewarding a family brand that's been serving Chicago for decades, the numbers have to be right and the people have to trust you. That's the foundation everything else is built on."
— Joe Nogal
Career Timeline
37+ Years of Leadership
2021 – Present
CurrentIndependent Business Advisor & Consultant
Self-Employed
Greater Chicago Area · Current
Providing hands-on advisory services to business owners and executives across finance, operations, and strategy. Active board member at Tiesta Tea Company and Terzo Power Systems LLC. Member of The Bridge Group, advising growth-stage businesses alongside a team of seasoned C-suite executives.
Key Contributions
- Board Member, Tiesta Tea Company (2020–present)
- Board Member, Terzo Power Systems LLC
- Co-Founder team member, The Bridge Group
- Consulting engagements across manufacturing, distribution, and consumer goods
2012 – 2021
VP & Chief Financial Officer
Eli's Cheesecake Company
Chicago, IL · 9 Years
Served as VP and CFO of one of Chicago's most iconic food brands — a specialty bakery producing 20,000 cheesecakes and desserts daily. Led all financial operations including treasury, tax strategy, financial reporting, and strategic planning. Managed human capital and IT functions. Featured speaker at C-Suite Talent and Workforce Priorities for 2017 (The Leadership Group / The Overture Group).
Key Contributions
- Led finance team for a $50M+ specialty food manufacturer
- Oversaw treasury, taxes, strategic planning, and HR
- Managed financial operations for 20,000+ daily dessert production
- Featured industry speaker on C-Suite talent and workforce priorities
- Supported national expansion and retail distribution growth
2007 – 2011
Chief Financial Officer
HELIO / GAI
Chicago Area · 4 Years
Served as CFO, overseeing all financial operations, reporting, and strategic financial planning. Applied expertise in manufacturing and distribution finance to drive operational efficiency and financial discipline.
Key Contributions
- Full P&L and balance sheet oversight
- Financial controls and internal audit leadership
- Strategic planning and capital allocation
1991 – 2007
VP Treasurer / Controller
Woodhead Industries, Inc.
Deerfield, IL (NASDAQ: WDHD) · 16+ Years
Spent 16+ years at Woodhead Industries, a NASDAQ-listed manufacturer of network and electrical infrastructure products for harsh industrial environments. Rose from Treasurer/Controller to VP, elected in January 1999. Also served as Assistant Secretary (elected July 1993). Woodhead operated 21 locations across 10 countries in North America, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. Played a key role in the company's $256 million acquisition by Molex — one of the largest industrial component acquisitions of its era.
Key Contributions
- Elected VP Treasurer/Controller (January 1999)
- Elected Assistant Secretary (July 1993)
- Managed treasury, financial reporting, and controls for a global NASDAQ company
- Oversaw financial operations across 21 locations in 10 countries
- Key financial leader during $256M acquisition by Molex
- SEC reporting and NASDAQ compliance
- International M&A and capital structure management
1986 – 1990
Controller
Woodhead Canada Limited
Canada · 4 Years
Began career in financial leadership as Controller at Woodhead's Canadian subsidiary. Developed foundational expertise in manufacturing accounting, financial controls, and operational finance that would define the next three decades of his career.
Key Contributions
- Full financial control responsibility for Canadian subsidiary
- Manufacturing cost accounting and variance analysis
- Financial reporting and compliance
Governance
Board Memberships
Tiesta Tea Company
Board Member · 2020 – Present
Tiesta Tea is a Chicago-based specialty tea company that grew to $7.6M in revenue with distribution in 7,500+ retailers including Target. Joe provides financial oversight and strategic guidance as an independent board member.
Terzo Power Systems LLC
Board Member · Active
Provides board-level financial and operational oversight for this energy sector company, drawing on deep manufacturing and distribution expertise.
Academic Background
Education
Evanston, IL
Northwestern University
Kellogg School of Management
Master of Business Administration
EMP 27 — Executive Masters Program
Chicago, IL
DePaul University
Driehaus College of Business
B.S. Accounting & Business Management
Accounting and Business/Management
Put This Experience to Work for You
Whether you need a focused 1-hour consultation, a board member who has navigated public markets and major acquisitions, or a long-term strategic partner — Joe brings the depth and integrity your business deserves.
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