Hard work, balance and giving back: Kim Setrum’s journey to becoming a Top 1% Royal LePage REALTOR®

June 24, 2025 7 min. read

How a relentless work ethic, strategic mindset and commitment to community helped Kim Setrum build a thriving real estate career.

Success in real estate isn’t only about closing deals – it’s about consistency, connection and continuous growth. Few embody this better than Kim Setrum, a top-performing Royal LePage® agent from Saskatchewan who has mastered the balance between high achievement and meaningful relationships.

With nearly a decade in the industry, Kim has earned a coveted spot among the top 1% of Royal LePage agents. She has secured three consecutive years on the prestigious Royal LePage® National Chairman’s ClubTM list. Her formula for success? Hard work, intentional goal setting and a deep commitment to both clients and colleagues.

We sat down with Kim as she shared the defining moments that shaped her career, how she sustains peak performance without burnout, and why giving back is the heart of her business philosophy.

Congratulations on being in the top 1%! What does this achievement mean to you?

It’s an incredible honour. Helping people buy and sell homes is the most rewarding part of this job, and I’m beyond grateful for my clients, friends and family who have supported me. This marks my third year in the National Chairman’s Club, and I truly wouldn’t be here without them. Of course, my work ethic has also played a huge role in maintaining this level of performance.

Philanthropy is an important part of Royal LePage’s culture. How do you give back through your business?

Giving back is something I’m really passionate about. I’ve always donated to local organizations, but in 2025, I’m making it a priority to be more hands-on with volunteering. The Royal LePage® Shelter FoundationTM is an incredible charity, and I’m proud to be part of a company that actively supports such an essential cause.

What’s one habit or strategy that has had the biggest impact on your success?

For me, it’s all about planning ahead. I map out my week in advance, setting aside dedicated time for marketing my listings and connecting with clients. This keeps me organized and ensures my properties get the exposure they deserve while maintaining strong communication with buyers and sellers.

How do you balance a high-performance career without burning out?

It’s definitely a learning process! Over time, I’ve developed better time management skills and set boundaries to protect my personal time. Real estate can be demanding, but prioritizing work-life balance allows me to deliver my best service without feeling overwhelmed. Early in my career, I was always on call, answering messages late into the night. Over time, I realized the impact this had on my family. Now, I shut off my phone at 9:30 p.m. and plan my schedule more intentionally. Setting boundaries has helped me be more present – both at home and with my clients.

What Royal LePage tools or resources have helped you the most?

I absolutely love rlpSPHERE® and Smart LeadsTM. They’re both intuitive resources that are easy to use, and have helped me connect with so many clients efficiently. They have helped immensely with streamlining my business, giving me more time to connect with my clients.

How do mentorship and collaboration factor into your success?

Real estate is a competitive industry, but I firmly believe in treating all agents with respect, regardless of what brand they are with, or where they are at in their career. At the end of the day, we’re all working toward the same goal, helping our clients. I’ve had incredible experiences collaborating with other real estate professionals, and I think that mutual respect goes a long way.

How do you approach social media as a business tool?

Social media is a huge part of my business. I use it daily to market properties and connect with clients. A large percentage of my business comes from these platforms, so I focus on keeping my branding clean, consistent and instantly recognizable. When people see my posts, I want them to know right away that it’s authentically me. Having a strong online presence has been a key driver of my success. 

If someone was considering joining Royal LePage, what would you highlight about the company?

Royal LePage is a proudly Canadian brand with an outstanding reputation and a strong charitable foundation. The level of professionalism among our REALTORS® is second to none, and the training tools – especially the webinars – are invaluable for agents looking to grow.

What’s been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

Every day in this business is rewarding. Real estate comes with challenges, but there’s nothing more fulfilling than guiding people through one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. That’s what drives me and it’s what has helped me reach the top 1%.

Looking to grow your career with Royal LePage?

Join a team that offers the tools, training, and network to help you succeed. Learn more at royallepage.ca/en/realestate/join-our-team/