Though Rufledt’s dedication to her field may be mistaken as workaholism, she confesses the secret to her success is ensuring self-care is a professional priority. Taking care of her mental and physical health and well-being motivates her to impact her community in innovative ways — to support her community in the way it supports her.

“For me, everyone has a role: in their family, in their office, in their personal lives, and in their community,” Rufledt said. “Are you fulfilling your role, or are you just sitting stagnant? I choose to work at fulfilling obligations and creating new opportunities.

“If you are impacting somebody’s life in a positive way, or guiding others, that’s all you can do. Do what you love, and the rest will fall in line.”

A passion for helping people sell their house and buy a new home — or navigate the investment property market — inspired Rufledt to pursue real estate. She remembers moving from rental property to rental property throughout her childhood, as her mother could never afford to own a house. Now an adult and real estate professional, Rufledt worked multiple jobs to eventually — at the age of 24 — purchase a home for her mother. (Though, Rufledt has owned property since the age of 20!) Like her approach with her own family, Rufledt works many hours to help many families across Northwestern Wisconsin research and make decisions that are ultimately best for their families.

And in a busy real estate market, that guidance is critical. High prices, a lack of trade employees enabling the construction of new homes, a lack of housing, and tough competition means finding a home can be pretty daunting nowadays. But Rufledt helps her clients navigate the challenges of the real estate market with perseverance, accountability, and determination.

She especially empathizes with hardworking business owners who have worked hard amid ruthless pandemic times, to continue the legacy of their family name. A professional herself, she understands the kind of late nights that go into making a business successful. And she knows how having a strong support network is critical to success.

“I’m all about helping everyone do well,” she said. “What is your purpose? Are you in the game or on the sidelines?” And she is always looking for ways to better herself and her real estate practices through selling, buying, and investing in her community.

“All the tools we need are here,” she said. “Stop looking. Go to your libraries and online. Tap into some great people that do self-care every day, and journal. If you want to live your best life, you need to give to gain and heal to excel.”