Top Agent Ted Cawkwell of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan began selling farm and ranch real estate a mere five-and-a-half years ago, and is already ranked among the top real estate agents in the world. His passion for what he does, coupled with his commitment to going above and beyond, resulted in his company – realty behemoth RE/MAX – naming him as the eighth most successful commercial real estate agent in the world in 2016.

His journey as an agriculture specialist began in 2010, when his father passed away unexpectedly and he was asked to assist his family with selling their farm. “It was one of the larger farms in the province,” says Ted, “so I kind of had my hands full. I hired a farm real estate agent to assist us with the land portion of the sale, and they were a great benefit to our family. I thought it would be great if I could help make a positive impact in that way for another farm family like this agent did for us. So that’s what spurred me on to switch directions a bit and move into this line of work.”

His own personal experience with farming informs the way he conducts his business. “These farm transactions are a lot different from a residential or commercial transaction,” says Ted. “There’s a lot more emotion involved, generally. When you’re selling a farm, it’s very commonly a multi-generational farm where they’ve spent hundreds of thousands of hours out on the land. There’s a real attachment, so it’s one of the nuances of my business that I have to be a different type of agent. I think it’s really beneficial that I’ve sold my own farm. It allows me to really help them, because I’ve been there.”

While empathy plays a part in his success, even more so does the exceptional customer service that has become his hallmark. “Exemplary customer service is part of our mission statement,” says Ted. “We go above and beyond in every area that we possibly can. Our marketing is second to none, and we have a really unique marketing plan. We always try to be innovative and on the leading edge of technology.” The personal touch is also paramount. “We stay in touch with our clients, we’re in regular communication to let them know what’s going on. Just being a friendly voice on the end of the phone, and always being there to answer any questions they might have.” Results are the harvest of these efforts. “Our properties sell for more money and they sell faster than other farm agent’s properties in the province.”

Despite his financial success – he recently negotiated one of the largest farm sales in Saskatchewan history – it’s less the dollar and more the people that motivates Ted. “I love interacting with my clients, being out on the land. I’m a fourth generation farmer, and I still hobby farm a bit. So I really just enjoy being out with both the farm families and the investors, and speaking to the things that are near and dear to my heart.”

Giving back is important to Ted, and to that end he makes a per-transaction donation to a selection of charities. “I give my clients a list of organizations they can choose from,” he says. Among other endeavors, he also spearheads a free children’s fishing event to help kids gain positive outdoor experiences. The last two years have seen over a thousand people attend the event.

As for the future, Ted has no grandiose plans. Instead, he simply wishes to continue growing his business while sacrificing none of the exceptional customer service that has become his calling card.

“We just want to touch more people, help more people out who are in need of somebody to assist them, just keep on doing what we’re doing.”

For more information about Ted Cawkwell, please call 306-327-7661 or

email ted@tedcawkwell.com