team@devphase.io, Author at Periscope Financial

Michael Short

Twenty 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, will be heading to Murray State in the fall. Ashley, their youngest, is a junior at Indian Hill and will join Daniel at Murray State when she graduates to continue her soccer career as well.

Alexa Casey

Originally from Gulf Breeze, FL, Alexa graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Finance and began her career in financial services with Protective Life. There, she earned her SIE, Series 6, Series 63, and Life and Health licenses. She later transitioned to an executive recruiting firm, where she specialized in sales operations and placements within the Financial Services industry.

Alexa joined Periscope Financial in 2023 and has since earned her Series 7 and Series 65 licenses. She plays an integral part in portfolio management, investment research, trade execution, and ensuring a seamless client experience. With a strong command of financial technology and eye for process optimization, Alexa helps drive both client outcomes and internal efficiency. She is actively growing her book of business while continuing to deepen her investment expertise and leadership.

Alexa lives in White Oak with her husband, Kevin, and their two young children, Tessa and Chase. Kevin is part of the family-owned Casey Construction, which focuses on residential and commercial remodeling across Greater Cincinnati. A non-native turned local, Alexa proudly calls Cincinnati home as she continues to build her family, career, and life here.