Real estate awards, typically, are based on production. The more volume you do (number of transaction sides, gross commissions, etc.), the more likely you are to be recognized by your brokerage with some sort of award. And rightly so. These numbers are indeed an indicator of success.

But it’s only half of the story.

Recently, Kim Sandberg, our illustrious leader here at The Sandberg Team, was recognized with the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement award. It’s given to those associates who’ve earned more than $3 million in gross commissions in at least seven years with the organization. Prior to that, quite logically, she was recognized with the Hall of Fame award, which recognizes $1 million in gross commissions.

Impressive achievements, to be sure. And production in real estate is a marker of more than just financial success. It indicates experience, expertise, perseverance, professionalism…all of the things it takes to do well in most any profession.

But—and this is a big “but”—as Kim Sandberg will tell you, it’s not an achievement that can be earned alone. “There are two sides to every real estate transaction,” says Kim. “Nobody is getting to the closing table if the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent aren’t both doing their jobs.”

It’s an important point. Real estate is, among other things, a highly collaborative business. It requires agents who can negotiate, cooperate, motivate, investigate, give and take, placate and more. And that takes two sides, at least. Sometimes more.

“I would not—could not—achieve what I have in this business without great people around me,” claims Kim. “My teammates, to begin with, who are in the trenches with me, day in and day out. My broker, Brenda Horst, who always has my back and is a fount of real estate knowledge. My go-to lenders, inspectors, insurance providers, tradespeople and other vendors. The other agents in the business who I consider experts, mentors and friends. Every other agent I’ve ever closed a deal with. And, most of all, the home buyers and sellers who put their trust in me, and The Sandberg Team, with one of their largest, and most complicated, transactions.”

And while it’s nice to stop for a moment and congratulate Kim on what is truly a milestone achievement, I’m reminded of something else she always says, something that’s indicative of why she’s been so successful.

“In real estate, every day, you wake up unemployed. You have to get up and get going—work hard—or you’re not going to make it in this business.”

It’s that attitude that has already brought Kim a lifetime of success…with many more achievements yet to come.