CALIFORNIA CONSUMER - Key Persons
the ebbs and flows of the market. Jerry is skilled in understanding his clients' needs, and
attributes this, as well as his determination, to the abundance and longevity of his career.
Jerry received his Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations from Harvard College, graduating
cum laude. After graduation, Jerry joined Drexel Burnham, serving as Vice President for
10 years, during which Jerry was notably recognized for his excellence in the finance
With over 45 years in the industry, Jerry is a well-respected figure in the investment world.
Aside from his unparalleled efforts in financial investments, Jerry is an active member of
Lynn Houston has led an esteemed 54-plus year career in finance and has become one of the most respected and experienced industry leaders in his field. Houston began his career in the financial service industry in 1965, working in the back office of a local firm, diligently working around the clock to service mutual funds and train, while also attending the University of Houston.
Houston's career has never been one to be confined to one role in finance. Once equipped with a degree in accounting, he worked as an auditor for just a year before being enticed to lead the mutual fund and training departments of Dempsey Tegeler. Houston went on to receive his securities license in 1969, and from then, began to provide client services to his own clients.
Ever one to be in-demand in the industry, Houston then became an energy analyst with investment bankers Cowen & Co., then an investment banking analyst with the prestigious Lehman Bros., followed by becoming a branch manager with Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette, and then taking his expertise to Rauscher Pierce.
At J.C. Bradford & Co. is where Houston established one of his biggest career achievements. Starting there in 1997, as the first ever Texas employee for the long-running Nashville-based investment banking and brokerage and the regional manager, he built their Texas Region from the ground up, to an expansive five highly successful offices, employing an impressive 123 financial advisors. Upon the sale of J.C. Bradford & Co., Houston became the Texas and Louisiana regional manager for the investment management company Legg Mason.
When Legg Mason was sold, Houston started a new chapter by launching his own practice. For this next move, he kept closer to home, going into business with his son, Matthew Houston, and launching Skyward Financial.
In addition to his un-rivalled expertise in financial investments, Houston is also very active in his community; including his work with the Houston Athletic Foundation, serving as Chairman of the Houston Cougar Cookers, a member of the advisory board of the Galveston Bay Foundation, and an active supporter of The Innocence Project, campaigning to put an end to wrongful convictions and to prevent future injustices in the criminal justice system.
Job Titles:
- Managing Founding Partner
Matthew had an early start to his education in finance - at the dinner table with his father, highly-respected, long-time financial advisor and now partner, Lynn Houston. He learned early on that building clients a secure financial plan was the key to realizing their short and long-term visions, and the best was for him to build solid relationships with his clients.
After graduating from the University of Houston's Bauer College of Business, Matthew commenced his career in finance as a trainee with Legg Mason, which was subsequently acquired by Smith Barney. Shortly after, Matthew moved to Southwest Securities because he wanted to grow his practice in a more regional firm. He went from Southwest to Wunderlich, which was acquired by B. Riley in 2018. He joined Wedbush Securities along with his partner and father, Lynn Houston, in 2021.
One of Matthew's biggest career accomplishments is keeping his clients 100% invested during market volatility. He likens himself to being the calm during a storm, which is a quality his clients have come to depend on. Being product agnostic is what led Matthew and his Skyward Financial to Wedbush Securities. Being able to provide his clients with the best possible advice and guidance without having to strictly use proprietary products and services, has become his gold standard in serving clients.
Matthew takes pride in being a life-long Houstonian and has enjoyed making a life for his wife, Kristina and himself in the Houston area. The two recently welcomed their first child and look forward to raising their family. Matthew is an avid college sports fan, especially his alma mater, Houston Cougars. He also serves as President of the Houston Cougar Foundation, where he's had been a board member for over 15 years. When not spending time with his family, Matthew enjoys researching growth stocks in search of the next big growth story.
Ross became a household name after his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016. It was during the Major League Baseball offseason where he began his career in financial services at B. Riley alongside father and son team of Lynn Houston and Matthew Houston. Within a matter of months, Ross passed his series 7 exam and shortly thereafter his series 66. As his off-the-field business picked up, he also became a trusted source and voice of reason on matters of finance within the clubhouse as well as on business television like CNBC and Fox Business Network. He holds a unique distinction as being named a 2018 National League All Star while also being a Vice President and Financial Advisor at the time. Suffice it to say, Ross has become much more than an athlete.
In 2021, the trio along with Registered Client Services Associate, Zaida Gil, formed a partnership with the launch of Skyward Financial and joined the Wedbush Securities Independent Franchise Owners Network ("IFON"). The team is based in Houston, where Ross spends his off season.
Ross earned his Bachelor's degree in finance from Texas A&M, where he was recognized as an Academic All-American while establishing himself as one of the country's best pitchers. He lives in the Houston area with his wife Shelby and their young son. In his free time, he hosts two very well received podcasts Goats on the Bump and The Big Swing where he talks baseball with some of the greats.
Job Titles:
- Office Manager
- Skyward Financial As Office Manager
Valencia earned her Series 7 license in 2004 and Series 66 license in 2005 while at Compass Bank, which later merged with BBVA USA in 2012. Before the acquisition of BBVA USA by PNC Bank in 2021, Valencia transitioned to Compliance, collaborating with team members to establish standards and procedures for Asset Management & Trust, as well as BBVA Wealth Solutions. Post-merger, she assumed the role of Institutional Trust Officer in the Charities and Endowment group of Wealth Management at PNC Bank.
In September 2023, Valencia joined Skyward Financial as Office Manager, contributing her diverse financial services and investment industry background to support the Managing Partners and Director in investment, marketing, and administrative endeavors, with the aim of enhancing the firm's success.
Valencia, a Houston native, shares her life with her husband, Kenneth Linton, and their two children, Patrick and Kamryn, who are college graduates and former student athletes. Valencia is deeply family-oriented and dedicates her free time to family history research. She is also a charter member of La Creole, the Louisiana Creole Research Association, committed to advancing family research, providing education, and celebrating Creole history and culture.
Job Titles:
- Registered Client Services Associate