Hello world! - Periscope Financial

Michael Short

Eighteen years ago, Michael graduated from Miami University with degrees in Finance and Comparative Political Analysis. He also obtained his Series 7, 66, and Life and Health licenses during his senior year. Since starting his financial advisory practice in Cincinnati, OH, Michael has been dedicated to helping his clients achieve their financial goals and dreams. Over the years, he has guided them through turbulent times by emphasizing the importance of being nimble and ready to react to market changes to create long-term investing success.

In 2021, after fifteen years of working for large firms and learning from senior advisors, Michael founded his own firm, Periscope Financial. The transition to a smaller, family-focused firm brought both rewards and unexpected challenges. However, after overcoming the initial hurdles, Periscope Financial has reached Michael’s vision of providing sound financial advice, compassionate service, and fostering a thoughtful but diligent workplace environment.

Michael’s purpose and reason for starting Periscope Financial is rooted in his desire to achieve his own family’s goals and dreams, much like those of his clients. He has been married to his lovely wife Lora since 2007 after attending Miami University together. Lora runs her own design firm, 7 Maple Design, crafting exquisite spaces for her clients. They live in Madeira with their two beautiful daughters, Emerson and Finley, who attend Madeira City Schools and play lacrosse, basketball, and volleyball.

Over the years, Michael has devoted his time to various community endeavors, including serving as a snowboard instructor at Perfect North Slopes, a Madeira lacrosse coach, a camp leader and volunteer at Crossroads Church, and now a Madeira Schools Foundation board member. In his personal time, Michael enjoys traveling with his family, and staying active through playing basketball, golfing, snowboarding, and taking adventures.

Lisa O’Brien

After completing her education in Travel and Tourism at a technical college in Michigan, Lisa relocated to Cincinnati. She embarked on a career managing hotels before transitioning to a role at a tour and travel agency, where she specialized in organizing group trips. Eventually, she and her husband made the decision for her to become a full-time homemaker to keep up with their three energetic children.

Lisa was one of Michael’s first clients, and their long-standing friendship led to an opportunity when Michael mentioned he was looking for an operations manager. The timing coincided perfectly with Lisa’s desire to rejoin the workforce. Joining Periscope Financial proved to be an excellent fit, and she has now been with the company for over a year, enjoying the opportunity to learn more about the finance industry.

Lisa and her husband Michael have been married for 25 years, raising three remarkable children together. Meghan, their eldest, is pursuing her education and soccer career at the University of North Georgia. Their middle child, Daniel, played football at Indian Hill High School and will be heading to Miami University in the fall. Ashley, their youngest, is a sophomore at Indian Hill, and is actively involved in club soccer.

Alexa Casey

Originally from Gulf Breeze, FL, Alexa Casey relocated to Cincinnati, OH after graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Finance. She began her career in the financial services field with Protective Life, where she acquired her SIE, Series 6, Series 63, and Life and Health licenses. Recognizing her passion for client service and relationship-building, Alexa subsequently transitioned to an executive recruiting firm, specializing in the Financial Services industry.

Since joining the Periscope Financial team in 2023, Alexa has obtained her Series 7 and Series 65 licenses. Her evolving role encompasses investment research, model portfolio building and rebalancing, client service, trade execution, and sales support. Leveraging her proficiency in technology, exceptional organizational skills, and passion for process efficiency, Alexa elevates the capabilities of the Periscope Financial team. She continues to deepen her investment knowledge and experience in order to offer clients her own expertise and guidance.

Alexa resides in White Oak with her husband and daughter, Kevin and Tessa. They are expecting a new addition to their family in November 2024. Kevin works in his family-owned business, Casey Construction, specializing in remodeling residential and commercial properties throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. While Alexa is not a Cincinnati native, she looks forward to continuing to deepen her roots in Cincinnati while also enjoying visits to her hometown in Florida.