Frequently Asked Questions

It's pronounced "Value Guard."

Consultant Noah Johnson has a decade of progressive analytical experience specializing in commercial credit risk, having experience on hundreds of transactions at some of the largest financial institutions. Noah was most recently a Credit Examiner in Corporate & Investment Banking overseeing $15B in assets at a global top 5 institution. Prior to that role, he was Senior Portfolio Manager responsible for an emerging middle market portfolio that included primarily problem credits. In particular, Noah played a critical role in identifying and negotiating suspected fraudulent borrowers out of the bank while restructuring terms on transactions with weak structures. As an Examiner, Noah broadened his middle market front lines perspective by covering various corporate portfolios including ABL, International Corporates, Energy sector lending (O&G, Power & Utilities, Project Finance, Commodity Finance), and Data Center development. During this time, Noah played a key role in identifying, communicating, and advising on resolutions for multiple high-rated credit risk issues after reviewing business unit practices. Resolved internally, these solutions saved the bank millions of dollars in potential regulatory remediation charges or fines related to safety and soundness. Additionally, Noah advised units on bankrupt borrower and split-rated transactions where losses were possible, but uncertain.

Noah has hands on experience developing financial models, forecasting performance, determining enterprise valuations, performing credit risk assessments, deal structuring, exam planning, loan reviewing, documentation review, policy and procedure reviewing, applying regulatory ratings, negotiating with problem borrowers, monitoring and reporting on bankrupt borrowers, assessing adherence to regulatory requirements, and applying accrual/non-accrual designations. Noah has extensive exposure to leveraged, secured and unsecured, cash flow and asset-based, majority and minority stake acquisitions, investment grade through distressed/liquidating, and public and private company transactions. 

Consulting costs are project dependent, but the initial meeting is free. Let's chat.

Through VLUGRD's partners, we offer commercial loan review and credit risk consulting services to financial institutions of all sizes. 

VLUGRD specializes in liquidity optimization and finance sourcing; however, we can help with a variety of financial and ad hoc needs. Narratives are important in the search for financing. We can effectively assess and communicate your situation. 

VLUGRD does not offer investment advice. We can help you run the numbers and discuss outcomes. 

There is risk in selling off in a recession as you must get the timing correct twice -- First, before the drop and Second, before it starts going back up -- making it very difficult to accomplish even for the most sophisticated investors. 

Public Service presents unique rewards and challenges, and a one-dimensional answer is not appropriate. We'll work to get a good understanding of your situation and help you make a decision aligned with your goals. As the husband of a Medical Doctor, Noah understands the mental and financial toll of heavy student debt burdens. 

Your financial advisor may be great, and we are not trying to replace them. VLUGRD provides an unbiased perspective on all matters, including the financial -- We specialize in supplementing FA's work from a different perspective.  We are not paid to promote products, we do not earn commissions, we are experienced financial analysts, and we are mission-focused to help.

Yes! I would love to help. Please contact me ASAP. 

Noah is a debt expert and does not believe all debt is bad -- some is good, some is bad. Every major company, even the financially strongest, use some form of debt. 

Noah's perspective on Dave Ramsey changed when Dave told a caller to pay off all of their debt with all of their available cash, despite having a 100% loan repayment benefit through their employer (free money to payoff the debt over time). That didn't make sense to Noah as he believes a cushion is critical to staying out of debt. Dave's one-size-fits-all approach fails to meet common sense at times. Noah is an advocate of common sense.

No investment advice is provided, we are not licensed advisors, we do not sell financial products/investments, and we do not recommend financial products/investments of any type to our customers.  We do not derive any fees from referrals. We may provide limited education on products/services that exist for clients to discuss with their licensed investment advisor.