Jacob J.C. Short
Wealth Advisor, CEO & Founder
JJCS Financial Services was founded by Jacob J.C. (Jake) Short. This Houston-based firm was established to better serve the community. Jake knew that many of his clients had differing financial goals and were confused by the number and type of options available to them. He decided to create a firm that would assist people with their financial concerns. He seeks to help investors feel confident by assisting them in a knowledgeable, courteous, and professional manner.
Jake considers the needs of each individual family and often works with three generations to construct a wealth strategy that simplifies the complexities of financial assets in a systematic way. He has over 30 years' experience and specializes in estate, financial, and retirement planning. Jake's practice has been built through strong personal relationships and referrals from clients.
JJCS Financial Services chose to align with LPL Financial, one of the preeminent independent broker/dealers in the U.S. The alliance with LPL Financial ensures that clients receive a wide variety of investment choices to complement their goals. It also helps the company better serve clients in a seamless and efficient manner by providing back office, investment, and technology support.
Scott Short
Investment Assistant
Scott is the newest addition to JJCS Financial Services. Scott joins his father, Jake, bringing a fresh perspective and a passion for helping clients pursue their financial goals. With a solid foundation in finance and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Risk Management from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, Scott is eager to contribute his skills to the family business.
Before joining the family practice, Scott gained valuable experience working in the financial industry, serving as a Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual in Austin, Texas.
Scott is committed to building strong relationships with clients and assisting Jake who provides personalized financial strategies tailored to their needs. He understands the importance of effective communication and strives to help ensure that each client feels heard and valued.
As a second-generation financial professional, Scott is proud to uphold the legacy established by his father. Jake and Scott work in tandem, providing knowledgeable financial service to clients, and helping them navigate their financial journey with confidence and clarity.
Cary McDonald
Executive Assistant
With 29 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry, Cary brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Throughout her career, she has worked with leading Registered Investment Advisors, Broker/Dealers, and Investment Bankers, honing her skills in compliance management and regulatory adherence.
At Alethean Holdings LLC, where Cary served as Principal Supervisor and Compliance Officer for the Houston office from August 2010 to April 2011, she spearheaded the establishment and supervision of operational offices for newly acquired RIA firms. Additionally, she functioned as a Relationship Manager, providing concierge services for CPAs and overseeing the seamless transition of newly acquired RIAs and B/Ds.
During her tenure at Sanders Morris Harris Inc. from 2000 to 2010, Cary held multiple roles including Compliance Officer for B/D-RIA and Insurance Licensing Coordinator, as well as Chief Administrative Officer of the Independent Representative Division. There, she meticulously monitored regulatory matters and rule changes, conducted branch office exams, investigated customer complaints, and oversaw various compliance activities across the firm.
Previously, at Harris Webb & Garrison Inc. from 1994 to 2000, Cary served as Operations Manager and Chief Compliance Officer, playing a pivotal role in the startup of a Broker/Dealer and implementing comprehensive operational policies and compliance procedures.
Her skills span a wide range of areas including regulatory compliance, relationship management, project coordination, and administrative duties. Cary possesses advanced skills in implementing and managing compliance programs to meet FINRA, SEC, and state regulatory requirements, along with a keen ability to identify regulatory trends and advise stakeholders accordingly.
Her level of skills, abilities, and knowledge includes a strong understanding of federal laws and regulations, advanced written and verbal communication skills, and the capacity to make and defend complex regulatory decisions. Cary has displayed her ability to work in fast-paced environments, and she is adept at managing multiple demands and priorities while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
In summary, Cary is a seasoned Compliance Officer dedicated to helping ensure regulatory compliance and driving excellence in the financial services Industry.
Kari Short
Director of Marketing
After Kari graduated from Schreiner College with an associate degree and Texas A&M with a bachelor’s degree in 1985, she worked in public relations, marketing, and advertising in Houston, and is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America. She eventually ran her own boutique public relations firm working with local and regional business-to-business and retail accounts, and was a contributing writer for Health & Fitness and Houston Lifestyles magazines.
Kari has served on a variety of boards such as the American Heart Association – Texas Affiliate, AHA – Houston, the Houston Restaurant Association, and Main Street Theatre. She also served as a Rice University Community Associate and conducted media relations for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Trail Ride Committee. As adjunct faculty in the Alvin Community College Radio & TV Department, Kari and her peers placed hundreds of young people in media jobs.
Kari returned to the Hill Country with her husband, Jake, and son, Scott in 2011. In addition to ranching, she writes for the West Kerr Current newspaper and volunteers locally. She serves on the Hill Country Telephone Cooperative Board, the Peterson Health Foundation Board, and recently co-founded the Hill Country Breast Cancer Support Group.
Previously, she has served on the West Kerr Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Schreiner University Alumni Board, and the Frontier Times Museum Board of Directors in Bandera, Texas.