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In the competitive world of real estate investing and entrepreneurship, achieving consistent growth and scalability requires more than just hard work. It demands a thoughtful approach to business processes, people alignment, and purpose-driven leadership. Gary Harper, the founder of Sharper Business Solutions, shares invaluable insights on how entrepreneurs can create a thriving business ecosystem while staying aligned with their personal and professional goals.
Whether you’re seeking to build a real estate empire or generate consistent motivated seller leads, these strategies can help you rise to your 100% potential.
Gary Harper’s Journey to Business Consulting
From Corporate America to Entrepreneurship
Gary Harper’s journey began in corporate America, where he gained extensive experience working with Fortune 500 companies. By the age of 23, he was a national manager of business initiatives and development. However, the demanding corporate lifestyle left him yearning for freedom. In 2004, Gary transitioned to real estate investing, initially rehabbing and renting properties. Despite achieving success, the 2008 financial crisis severely impacted his investments, forcing him to regroup and reevaluate his goals.
This challenging period inspired Gary to apply his corporate knowledge to entrepreneurship. He began implementing business operating systems that allowed him to scale his real estate business to over 300 deals annually by 2016. This success set the foundation for Sharper Business Solutions, where Gary now helps other entrepreneurs achieve similar results.
Early Real Estate Work and Lessons Learned
Gary’s first steps in real estate were hands-on and gritty. He worked alongside his brother-in-law, rehabbing properties and protecting rentals from copper thieves. These early experiences taught him the value of persistence, adaptability, and mastering the fundamentals of property management—lessons that continue to inform his approach to business today.
Impact of the 2008 Financial Crisis
When the 2008 crisis hit, Gary’s investments were significantly affected. As the market crashed, he faced mounting losses and was forced to reconsider his strategies. This period of hardship became a catalyst for transformation, as Gary refocused on developing systems that could withstand economic downturns and create sustainable growth.
Aligning Purpose: The Foundation of Business Success
The Power of Purpose Alignment
Gary Harper emphasizes that a company’s purpose must align with the personal goals of its leaders and employees. When these elements are in sync, team members are no longer working because they have to but because they want to. This transformation results in a more motivated, productive, and cohesive team. Harper states, “Your company’s purpose should help you achieve your personal purpose, and both should help your employees achieve theirs.”
Key Takeaway: Define and Measure Your Purpose
Harper’s unique framework introduces the concept of Key Purpose Indicators (KPIs). Unlike traditional metrics that focus on performance or profit, KPIs measure the alignment of actions with purpose. For example, Harper’s personal goal is to “do a good work that supports God’s work,” and his business is structured to fulfill this purpose by contributing to charitable causes.
Entrepreneurs can use this model to:
- Clearly define their company’s purpose.
- Align business operations with personal and team goals.
- Foster a purpose-driven culture that attracts and retains top talent.
Faith-Based Mission and Charity Goals
Gary’s faith plays a central role in his business philosophy. He has set a goal of contributing $2.6 million to God’s work by 2026, reflecting his commitment to aligning professional success with personal values. This goal is integrated into the operations of Sharper Business Solutions, ensuring that every business decision contributes to this higher purpose.
Building Scalable Systems: Rise to Your 100%
Introducing the RISE Framework
Sharper Business Solutions helps businesses achieve scalability through the RISE framework:
- Resources: Managing time, money, and people effectively.
- Inspiration: Cultivating a vision that energizes the team.
- Systems: Implementing business operating systems for efficiency.
- Engagement: Expanding with the right people and processes.
Harper highlights the importance of delegating non-core tasks to experts. This allows business owners to focus on their strengths while ensuring other aspects of the business—like hiring, documentation, and media—are handled by professionals.
Key Takeaway: Invest in Processes and People
By outsourcing non-core tasks and adopting a proven business operating system, entrepreneurs can:
- Scale their business without getting bogged down in operational details.
- Focus on what they do best, such as acquiring properties or closing deals.
- Develop a team of “want-to” employees who are aligned with the company’s mission.
Refining the Frameworks: The Evolution of Sharper Solutions
Gary’s systems and frameworks, including RISE, were not developed overnight. He began with earlier iterations like Sharper Process and Sharper Studios, learning from each version to create a more robust and comprehensive system. This iterative approach ensures that his clients benefit from solutions that are tested and refined.
Creating a High-Performing Team: The Right People in the Right Seats
The 4 Alignments of Culture
Harper identifies four critical alignments that define a successful business culture:
- Position Alignment: Ensuring employees are in roles that match their skills and passions.
- Value Alignment: Hiring individuals whose values align with the company’s.
- Purpose Alignment: Connecting the company’s goals with individual aspirations.
- Goal Alignment: Setting shared objectives that unite the team.
Misalignment in any of these areas can lead to burnout, disengagement, and high turnover. Entrepreneurs must regularly evaluate their team’s roles and contributions to maintain a strong culture.
Key Takeaway: Measure Performance and Potential
Using the “Heart, Head, Hands, and Feet” framework, Harper’s team assesses employees for:
- Heart: Their passion and desire for the role.
- Head: Cognitive and behavioral traits that predict long-term success.
- Hands: Skills, training, and experience.
- Feet: Growth potential and ability to evolve with the company.
This comprehensive evaluation ensures that the right people are in the right seats, fostering both individual and organizational growth.
Examples of Emotional Paychecks
Gary highlights that creating emotional paychecks for employees—such as aligning roles with personal goals and providing meaningful challenges—boosts engagement and productivity. For instance, team members who see their contributions directly impacting the company’s purpose feel a stronger connection to their work.
Overcoming Plateaus: Adapting for Long-Term Success
Recognizing the Need for Change
Every business reaches plateaus where growth seems to stall. Harper’s expertise lies in identifying these moments and implementing strategies to overcome them. Whether it’s refining processes, adjusting team dynamics, or setting new goals, his approach is rooted in adaptability.
Key Takeaway: Seek Expert Guidance
Entrepreneurs often struggle with figuring out the next steps on their own. Outsourcing strategic planning to experts like Sharper Business Solutions allows businesses to:
- Identify blind spots in operations.
- Implement proven systems to achieve scalability.
- Avoid costly mistakes by learning from seasoned professionals.
Personal Growth and Discipline: Lessons from Gary Harper’s Health Journey
Overcoming Health Challenges
Gary Harper’s battle with Lyme disease and weight loss journey highlight the importance of discipline and self-improvement. After being forced to leave corporate America due to health issues, Gary focused on regaining his physical and mental well-being. With the help of tailored health programs, he lost over 100 pounds and transformed his lifestyle.
Tailored Health Regimen
Gary’s health transformation involved a customized approach that mirrors his business philosophy. By analyzing blood work, setting clear health goals, and following a structured regimen, he achieved sustainable results. For instance, he adhered to a prescribed diet and exercise plan tailored to his body’s needs, much like how businesses need customized strategies to grow.
Key Takeaway: Health and Leadership Go Hand-in-Hand
Entrepreneurs can draw parallels between managing their health and managing their business:
- Both require clear goals and disciplined execution.
- Small, consistent actions lead to significant results over time.
- Investing in expert guidance accelerates progress.
Living Your Legacy: More Than Just Business
For Harper, success is not solely measured by financial achievements but by the legacy he leaves behind. His journey—from overcoming personal health challenges to building multiple businesses—illustrates the importance of balancing professional growth with personal fulfillment.
Creating Emotional Paychecks
Harper emphasizes the concept of “emotional paychecks,” which are the non-monetary rewards that come from aligning work with purpose. These emotional paychecks energize both leaders and employees, fostering a positive and sustainable work environment.
Key Takeaway: Focus on Impact
By aligning your business with a higher purpose, you can:
- Achieve sustainable growth.
- Create a lasting impact on your team, customers, and community.
- Build a business that supports your life goals rather than detracts from them.
The Sharper Business Ecosystem: Comprehensive Support for Entrepreneurs
A Suite of Services
Sharper Business Solutions offers an ecosystem of businesses designed to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs. From hiring and process documentation to hosting events and creating media, the company provides end-to-end support for business growth.
Stories of Business Growth
Gary shares examples of businesses that have achieved extraordinary growth under his guidance. One client, for instance, experienced a 400% increase in revenue within a year, thanks to the tailored strategies implemented by Sharper Business Solutions. These stories underscore the transformative potential of combining expertise with customized solutions.
Key Takeaway: Leverage Expertise to Accelerate Growth
By utilizing the Sharper ecosystem, entrepreneurs can:
- Streamline operations with proven systems and processes.
- Free up time to focus on core business activities.
- Scale effectively without the need to master every aspect of business operations.
Build Your Real Estate Business Today
Scaling your business and generating consistent motivated seller leads doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Gary Harper’s strategies and the RISE framework, you can create a purpose-driven, scalable business that aligns with your personal goals. Whether you’re just starting or looking to overcome growth plateaus, now is the time to invest in the systems and processes that will take your business to the next level.
Visit Sharper Business Solutions to schedule a free business assessment and start your journey toward rising to your 100% potential. Transform your business today and leave a legacy you’ll be proud of.
