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.
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Key Takeaways
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Why corporate success alone didn’t create fulfillment for Gary
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How Lyme disease shifted his life and pushed him back into entrepreneurship
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The four reasons businesses don’t scale successfully
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Why real estate was never his passion—but a tool for impact
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How the Rise Business Framework helps entrepreneurs grow and lead with intention
Topics
From Fortune 500 to Real Estate Investor
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Gary started investing in real estate while climbing the corporate ladder
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By 2006 he had multiple rentals but was hit hard during the 2008 crash
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Filed bankruptcy after tax reassessments and underwater properties
Health Crisis and Purposeful Reinvention
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Diagnosed with Lyme disease, suffered from panic attacks and mental regression
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Forced to step away from corporate and slowly returned to real estate through wholesaling
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Eventually realized his calling was not real estate itself, but helping others succeed through business coaching
Four Reasons Entrepreneurs Struggle to Grow
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Fear – needs to be replaced with knowledge and faith
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Mindset – people who ask questions grow faster than those who make statements
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Connections – a key to growth and unexpected opportunities
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Systems – without structure, chaos prevents scale
The RISE Business Framework
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A four-quadrant system: Resources, Inspire, Systems, Engage
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Helps entrepreneurs move through the 5 phases of business growth
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Guides owners on how to delegate, lead, and implement systems
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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
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Visit: sharperbusiness.com
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Explore: Coach Gary AI
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