Meet the Pin Oak Team
30+ years strong in the making, our team is driven by highly credentialed advisors and confidants committed to serving you and your family.
Our Partners
With over 100 years of combined experience, we offer the expertise and integrity you can trust.
J. Scott Pappas, CDFA, JD
Investment and Wealth Advisor
J. Scott Pappas, CDFA, JD
Investment and Wealth Advisor
Scott Pappas is an investment and wealth advisor at Pin Oak Investment Advisors with 25+ years of experience advising high-net-worth families and clients. He is also a former practicing attorney. His insight into both the legal and wealth management disciplines make him uniquely suited to oversee the many moving parts inherent in managing the accumulated wealth of families. His nearly two decades spent at large investment banks (Merrill Lynch, UBS, and Morgan Stanley) combined with the years in his current role at Pin Oak allow him to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
Mr. Pappas is passionate in educating and assisting attorneys and wealthy families in better understanding the dynamics of creating and managing family offices to help sustain multi-generational wealth. He has written and presented several Continuing Legal Education articles to the legal community, his most recent that addresses the many reasons why ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families can benefit from creating their own family office.
Mr. Pappas earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Nebraska and his Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law Houston. He is the proud father of three grown children and enjoys cooking, fitness and martial arts in his free time.
Nathan Norman, CFA
Director, Alternative Investments
Nathan Norman, CFA
Director, Alternative Investments
As Director of Alternative Investments for Pin Oak Investment Advisors, Nathan Norman brings nearly two decades of alternatives expertise to the firm’s growing portfolio of assets in the private investment space, while also providing strategic direction to the firm. Mr. Norman’s breadth of experience stems from his tenure at a multi-billion dollar Texas real estate investment firm, where he was instrumental in executing over $800MM in real estate transactions and development. With the beginnings of his career commencing as an analyst in the capital markets division for a large bank, his robust background parlays into a keen ability to source investments, oversee due diligence, negotiate term sheets and secure financing for Pin Oak.
Mr. Norman achieved the highest distinction in the investment management profession, Chartered Financial Analyst. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Real Estate at Baylor University.
Dan Estes, CFP
Principal, Chief Compliance Officer
Dan Estes, CFP
Principal, Chief Compliance Officer
Dan Estes, a Principal at Pin Oak Investment Advisors, also serves as the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer where he leads due diligence efforts and oversees regulatory compliance. Prior to his tenure at Pin Oak, Mr. Estes served as Vice President with Charles Schwab. His nearly 30 years of investment management experience combined with his background in the core principles of economics and statistics ideally positions him to interpret and communicate investment opportunities with his clients.
Mr. Estes serves on the board for LifeStream Charities, a non-profit organization with global reach facilitating access to the basic necessities of life. Each summer, he volunteers as a on-site camp counselor helping teens navigate the challenges faced by adolescents and regularly participates as a song leader and bible study teacher with the Southside Church of Christ.
Mr. Estes earned his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Economic Analysis, Managerial Studies and Policy Studies at Rice University.
Barrett Rouse, CFP, MBA
Founder, Chief Investment Officer
Barrett Rouse, CFP, MBA
Founder, Chief Investment Officer
Barrett Rouse founded Pin Oak Investment Advisors over thirty years ago to support discerning families with wealth creation and preservation. He continues to strategically guide the firm, its clients and partners, and he serves as the final decision maker on new fund assets. Mr. Rouse began his career as a management consultant with a Big Four firm and is a Certified Financial Planner and Registered Investment Advisor. Mr. Rouse has been named by Texas Monthly as a Five Star Wealth Manager and is a Qualified Kingdom Advisor.
In an effort to unify caring people with a deserving community, Mr. Rouse founded and actively serves as President of Stoney Creek Foundation. Stoney Creek Foundation is the supporting entity of Stoney Creek Ranch, a camp targeting inner city children in Houston.
Mr. Rouse serves on the Wealth Management Center Board at the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business. He earned both his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and his Master of Business Administration at the University of Texas, McCombs School of Business.
Client Relations
Our team is dedicated to building long lasting relationships with you and your family.
Meagan Ankenbruck
Client Operations
Meagan Ankenbruck
Client Operations
Meagan Ankenbruck provides operational, client and administrative support to Pin Oak’s partner suite. She also serves as the investor relations representative for Pin Oak limited partnerships.
Ms. Ankenbruck holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Baylor University. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband, their son and daughter, and three dogs. She is a travel enthusiast and avid runner.
Kyle Fernandez
Investment Analyst
Kyle Fernandez
Investment Analyst
Kyle Fernandez joined Pin Oak as an Investment Analyst in August of 2022. His role primarily includes analyzing a variety of investment opportunities and financial data to assist fund managers with their decision-making processes. Kyle supports the investment team by collecting information, performing research, analyzing assets, and managing trades of public securities. Additionally, he assists in maintaining Pin Oak’s banking relationships and managing bank compliance.
Kyle began his career in commercial banking, where he primarily oversaw the underwriting of senior debt facilities. Prior to joining Pin Oak, he held a process and operations role where he facilitated projects within the commercial lending and wealth management departments. Kyle graduated from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance). In his free time, Kyle enjoys running half-marathons across the United States, golfing, playing tennis, and fishing. When he is not enjoying the outdoors, Kyle spends quality time with his wife and their pet Yorkie.
Kessler Janik
Director of Communications
Kessler Janik
Director of Communications
As Director of Communications, Kessler Janik oversees the design and implementation of all strategic marketing and communication plans. In addition, she is responsible for improving client and investor communications by editing and developing various data and materials for clients, while also working with web design to strengthen the company’s online presence.
Prior to joining Pin Oak in July of 2022, Kessler worked at a private engineering firm designing field equipment, and as a marketing intern at a popular Mediterranean restaurant. Kessler holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Louisiana State University. In her free time, Kessler loves to explore the city of Houston, whether finding a new antique shop to wander around, a scenic walking trail, or a delicious restaurant to try with friends. If she is not trying something new, you can find her reading a book or cuddling with her pet dog.
Ginger Manders
Client Operations
Ginger Manders
Client Operations
The daily operational management of Pin Oak’s client accounts is primarily overseen by Ginger Manders. Ms. Manders offers personalized online assistance to clients, as Pin Oak makes it a firmwide priority to shoulder the burden of investment management. Ms. Manders also facilitates adjunct reports, client account transactions, and internal policy updates.
Ms. Manders enjoys raising her children and spending time with her family.
Chris Mitchell
Research & Investment Analyst
Chris Mitchell
Research & Investment Analyst
Chris Mitchell is responsible for trading, investment analysis, and financial modeling at Pin Oak Investment Advisors. Mr. Mitchell performs research and analysis on potential and current investment opportunities across a wide range of industries and geographic markets. Additionally he coordinates trades across multiple asset classes including domestic and foreign equities, bonds, options, and mutual funds.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems from Baylor University.
Anita Ramke
Administrative Assistant
Anita Ramke
Administrative Assistant
Anita Ramke’s role as the Administrative Assistant at Pin Oak involves providing administrative and general office management support, as well as personable and reliable client service. She is eager to meet and help our clients, whether on the phone or in person.
Before joining Pin Oak in August of 2022, Anita worked at a prestigious law firm providing administrative support, while also helping to ensure efficient document management, organization, scheduling, and client expansion. Anita’s strong management background and persuasiveness drive her to work harder and create a productive, successful office environment for everyone. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University. Anita loves trying new restaurants across the Houston area and enjoys spending as much time as she can outside, running, or just sitting on a beach. However, Anita’s favorite way to spend her free time and what brings her the most joy, is being a mom and spending time with her two children.
