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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