Gary Harper is the founder and CEO of Sharper Business Solutions and co-creator of the Rise Business Framework. After a successful career as a corporate executive, Gary transitioned to real estate and later business coaching, helping over 4,000 entrepreneurs grow and systematize their operations. His work blends deep business strategy with a purpose-driven mission to empower others while supporting meaningful causes.
📢 Announcement: Get 25% off your first two months with Hemlane’s property management software — visit hemlane.com and use the promo code: multifamilypodcast25.
Key Takeaways
- Why corporate success alone didn’t create fulfillment for Gary
- How Lyme disease shifted his life and pushed him back into entrepreneurship
- The four reasons businesses don’t scale successfully
- Why real estate was never his passion—but a tool for impact
- How the Rise Business Framework helps entrepreneurs grow and lead with intention
Topics
From Fortune 500 to Real Estate Investor
- Gary started investing in real estate while climbing the corporate ladder
- By 2006 he had multiple rentals but was hit hard during the 2008 crash
- Filed bankruptcy after tax reassessments and underwater properties
Health Crisis and Purposeful Reinvention
- Diagnosed with Lyme disease, suffered from panic attacks and mental regression
- Forced to step away from corporate and slowly returned to real estate through wholesaling
- Eventually realized his calling was not real estate itself, but helping others succeed through business coaching
Four Reasons Entrepreneurs Struggle to Grow
- Fear – needs to be replaced with knowledge and faith
- Mindset – people who ask questions grow faster than those who make statements
- Connections – a key to growth and unexpected opportunities
- Systems – without structure, chaos prevents scale
The RISE Business Framework
- A four-quadrant system: Resources, Inspire, Systems, Engage
- Helps entrepreneurs move through the 5 phases of business growth
- Guides owners on how to delegate, lead, and implement systems
- Focuses on sustainable growth, not just expansion
Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.
Round of Insights
Failure that set Gary up for success: The 2008 crash and resulting bankruptcy—though painful—became the foundation for his next chapter and mission.
Digital or mobile resource: Coach Gary (an AI tool trained on his content) and Asana for business task management
Book recommendation: The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly
Daily habit: Wim Hof breathing followed by a morning walk and review of a one-page vision plan
#1 Insight for business success and growth: Surround yourself with the right people—growth is never a solo journey
Favorite restaurant in Northwest Indiana: Umi.
Next Steps
- Visit: sharperbusiness.com
- Explore: Coach Gary AI
Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.