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.
Stewart Brown
Finance and Operations Analyst
Stewart Brown
Finance and Operations Analyst
As an Analyst at Pin Oak Investment Advisors, Stewart Brown focuses on building performance-tracking models and transforming complex data into actionable insights. His work also includes coordinating trades and ensuring compliance with tax and federal regulations to streamline firm operations.
Stewart holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Texas A&M University, College Station, and is pursuing a master’s degree in data science from the University of Colorado Boulder. His prior experience as an analyst in the health insurance and chemical sectors has equipped him with expertise in cash flow analysis and process improvement. When he’s not analyzing data, Stewart can be found reading, writing, painting, lifting weights, or boxing.
Noble Reeves
Finance and Operations Analyst
Noble Reeves
Finance and Operations Analyst
Noble Reeves is a Finance and Operations Analyst at Pin Oak Investment Advisors, where he contributes to the firm’s investment strategy by analyzing global market trends, monitoring investment performance, and coordinating trades. He also plays a key role in financial modeling and process optimization to drive operational efficiency.
A graduate of the University of Arkansas with a degree in Financial Management and Investments, Noble brings experience from his previous roles at Energy Texas, where he focused on pricing strategies and risk management, and at alliantgroup, where he sharpened his data analysis skills. Outside the office, Noble enjoys hunting, fishing, watching sports, and playing golf.
Lauren Rogge Hall
Financial Advisor
Lauren Rogge Hall
Financial Advisor
Lauren Rogge Hall is a Financial Advisor at Pin Oak Investment Advisors, specializing in creating personalized wealth planning and asset allocation strategies. She holds an MBA from the University of Texas, McCombs School of Business, with a concentration in Investment Management.
Before earning her MBA, Lauren served as Assistant Vice President of Investments at Houston Trust, where she oversaw investment performance reports and conducted client account reviews. Her extensive experience in finance, combined with her passion for helping others achieve financial success, makes her a valued resource at Pin Oak. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors, always seeking new adventures.
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.
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.