Executive Profile

Better together

Sharon Harper’s success has been helped by her ability to form solid partnerships

By STEVE BURKS

Sharon Harper is living proof of the value of strong partnerships.

Based on her experience in a marriage that has thrived for more than 50 years, to her current work as president and CEO of Plaza Companies, Harper could conduct PhD-level classes on how to form successful partnerships.

“My career has been built on incredible relationships, which gives me a great sense of accomplishment and of pride,” said Harper, whose list of industry awards and honors grows longer each year. “A true and long-term partnership is built on trust, ethics and 110 percent dependability and accountability — and a sharing of success and, sometimes, setbacks.”

Under Harper’s guidance since its formation in 1982, Plaza Companies has enjoyed far more successes than setbacks. The company started out developing medical office projects and has steadily expanded. Today, Plaza Companies is a full-service developer of a wide range of products, from office, multifamily and mixed use developments that have transformed parts of the Valley. To date, Plaza Companies has developed more than 30 million square feet of projects, with more in the pipeline.

Plaza Companies’ major projects have involved partnerships, with public and private organizations, alike. Projects like Skysong - The Arizona State University Scottsdale Innovation Center, Park Central Mall redevelopment and the TGen headquarters project all were built with the help of a star-studded cast of partners. Harper is proud of her work

“My career has been built on incredible relationships, which gives me a great sense of accomplishment and of pride”

alongside organizations or companies that include the Arizona Governor’s office, the president and leadership of ASU, Creighton University, TGen, the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, Banner Health, Dignity Health, GPEC, GPL, Arizona’s professional sports teams, as well as investor partners such as Holualoa Companies, Hyatt, Vi Living and Mather LifeWays.

“I love connecting with my partners, my tenants, my investors, my colleagues, leaders such as our governor and elected officials, and my friends all the time,” Harper said. “I love to laugh with others. Nothing is better or more exciting than close connectivity and finding ways to stay on top of everything and on top of the world.”

AZRE Magazine sat down with Harper to ask her what influences her and how she handles being a role model for other developers in the market.

AZRE: As you look back on your career, how proud are you of all of the things you’ve been able to accomplish in this industry?

SHARON HARPER: I have a great sense of pride in what Plaza Companies has accomplished. It started with an idea back in 1982 and has grown into a great success story with an excellent reputation. It’s important to me now that all members of Plaza Companies now share this pride in what’s being accomplished.

AZRE: What one project gives you the most sense of accomplishment and why?

SH: It would have to be SkySong, The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center. The redevelopment of an old and empty mall in a declining area of southern Scottsdale at the start of a major recession, and with significant neighborhood opposition, seemed like an impossible situation. But thanks to a big vision and a strong partnership between Arizona State University, the City of Scottsdale and Plaza Companies, SkySong has proven to be one of the most noteworthy turnaround projects we’ve seen in Arizona. We proved how a municipal, university and private partnership could work collectively to transform a region.

SkySong, The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center required true grit and determination, exceptional and resilient design and execution, an ability to stay true to a grand vision, and persistence every day. The story is one of exceptional success, with more than 2,500 employees from 60 companies now working there every day, and is expected to generate more than $1 billion in economic impact

annually, according to a study by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

AZRE: What is your favorite project (new build, redevelopment, etc.) here in the Valley that you didn’t work on and what about it appeals to you?

SH: We live in north central Phoenix, and I have been very impressed with several of the adaptive reuse projects that have taken place around the Central and Camelback area. The influx of restaurants and the revitalization of some of the retail projects in the area have transformed that part of town into one of the most desirable destinations in the Valley.

AZRE: Who was your biggest influence early in your professional life and how often do you think about their advice or influence on you?

SH: I have been greatly influenced by admirable people, including my parents and my husband (Dr. Oliver Harper). Having someone who unconditionally believed in me is incredibly empowering. I thank my parents for that from my early years, and thank my husband for that constantly. Believing in others is empowerment. I think I carry this forward every day, with my family, my company members, and those with whom I interact with daily. It is a great gift from to be able to truly empower others.

AZRE: Now as you’ve become an established, successful role model in this market, how often are you approached for advice and how do you handle those kinds of requests?

SH: One of my favorite things is the opportunity to connect with and meet with other professionals, both those starting their careers or those considering new and different options. I would say that I also benefit very much from meetings and the great ideas and questions discussed. There is always so much to learn from a new perspective and the chance to provide help and guidance. For someone like me who is truly interested in people and interested in growing every day, requests to meet and connect are exciting.