From 1980 until 2017, Jay helped run with his brothers Jeff and Jerry a multi-generational agriculture/horticulture business. From 2000 to 2017, Harper was President and CEO of Harper's Nursery and Landscape Inc., where he led the company into its 73rd year of business until selling the business in 2017. A past president and current Board Member of the Arizona Nursery Association, and the board of the Arizona National Livestock Show.

Harper has been the host of a gardening call in talk show on KTAR radio's "Rosie On The House" program for over 25 years and is a frequent speaker to local garden club groups. Jay has also taught landscape and horticulture at both Mesa Community College and Rio Salado. Harper is a former board member of the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Scottsdale Boys Club, Young Life, and is a charter and past board member of La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church. Harper graduated from Arizona State University Cum Laude with a B.S. in Business Administration and is a former member of Beta Gamma Sigma a business honor society.

Jay and his wife Trina live in Scottsdale and have a daughter Jaymi and son Travis who are both working professionals in the Phoenix area. Travis and his wife Joeley have blessed Jay and Trina with 3 grandchildren Raegan (6) and Jones (4)and Jayce (2). Jay is also a sales representative of Hickman’s Family Farms.