The trajectory of my life took an unexpected turn, sending me into a self-destructive period that tore down everything I worked so hard for. Emerging from the ashes of adversity, I began rebuilding from the ruins and, along the way, began to use my experiences to help and uplift others.
In 2016, the sudden passing of my sister sent me spiraling into a dark abyss of addiction. The consequences were severe—a period of homelessness, time in jail, bankruptcy, and divorce. Everything in my life fell apart as a result of addiction. This was a year marked by some of the most difficult setbacks of my life.
Growing up, there was no stability in my life. My friends’ parents would look after me, but after high school, I was on my own. In my early twenties, I struggled with addiction. I recognized that I did better in life when I had a passion. Real estate emerged in 2003 as a promising new venture. I started out fixing and flipping homes and investing in properties, but this evolved into working directly with clients and starting my own team. I was proud to have uplifted myself from challenging circumstances.
Through this new avenue, I was able to build a great life for myself. The year 2016 was a devastating fall after all that I had built. Living in a hotel for weeks, facing the harsh reality of my actions, I hit rock bottom. But it was in this moment of despair that I found the strength to embark on the challenging journey of recovery.
The rebuilding process was arduous; I went to rehab, focused on regaining the sobriety I had worked so hard to achieve many years ago. For years, real estate had been my passion, anchoring me to a life of sobriety where I could pour all my energy into helping others. Selling only six houses in 2018 felt like I was starting over again.
What made the process even more challenging was the need to rebuild people's trust and belief in me. During those dark times, I owe a debt of gratitude to those who continued working with me, trusting in my professional abilities. They gave me the opportunity to prove myself again. Slowly but surely, I regained my footing in the industry, increasing my transactions each year, rebuilding my reputation and reclaiming my life.
In 2019, I made the choice to get rebaptized. My faith, always present in my life, became a beacon of strength in this new chapter. Making the conscious choice to get baptized again symbolized my renewed commitment to my faith.
Another integral part of this journey has been my family. My daughter, Makenzie, is my ultimate motivation. I want to show her that no matter what challenges you face in life, you can overcome them. In the midst of this recovery, I also met the most supportive and amazing woman, Lisa, who is now my wife. Despite all that I had lost in 2018, the most important thing is everything I gained after choosing sobriety.
I am humbled by the support of family, close friends and mentors. My inner circle consists of individuals who embody the values I aspire to—godly, family-oriented, successful, compassionate, and empathetic. They have played a pivotal role in my growth, challenging me to become a better version of myself.
In 2021, I started my team, Lang Estates, to broaden my reach in Detroit, helping more people each year. My wife also works for the team, helping in our ongoing recruiting efforts. As we look to the future, we have big plans and are grateful for the continued support of our clients.
With everything I have overcome, I am passionate about giving back. Through public speaking at rehab facilities and national events, I share my story, hoping to inspire and provide hope to those facing their own challenges. If I can help just one person, then it makes every step of this journey worth it.
A defining mission in my life is to inspire and uplift others. In real estate, this has translated to helping educate people on real estate and working to improve the industry as a whole. My agents and I work collaboratively, celebrating our successes and helping one another when complex problems arise. By setting new industry standards, we are not only creating a better client experience but also setting up the next generation of REALTORS® to thrive. This is a people-oriented industry, and I believe in honoring that by building lifelong relationships with clients and associates alike!
My approach to real estate is defined by a commitment to authenticity and practical problem-solving. By understanding my clients' unique needs, I can offer the best solutions that match their distinct goals. With experience as an investor myself, rehabbing homes, and handling some of the most complex transactions, I apply all I have learned, and the many connections made over decades in the industry to help bring your dreams to life. We have also partnered with a local animal shelter, donating a portion of every transaction to support their mission, giving animals a second chance just as I was given.
Sincerely,
Ben Lang
Broker/Owner | LIC# 6502433047
Mobile (248) 835-2340
Office (248) 780-0942
Benjamin.Lang@Remax.net
www.SellingSoutheastMichigan.com