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

• 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

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