Meet Ben Long, Partner at 17 Mile Real Estate

Meet Ben Long

For more than three decades, Ben Long has built a career at the intersection of wireless telecommunications, finance, and commercial real estate. As Partner at 17 Mile Real Estate, he helps property owners, investors, and industry professionals identify opportunities to maximize the value of telecom real estate assets through creative acquisitions, lease purchases, and strategic investment.

Before co-founding 17 Mile Real Estate with Mark Roscioli, Ben served in leadership roles spanning public accounting, rooftop management, telecommunications, and commercial finance. His experience gives clients a unique perspective on complex transactions and the long-term value of wireless infrastructure.

Q: How did you break into the telecom industry?

A: After earning my MBA from Wharton, I joined Coopers & Lybrand in a fast-track program toward partnership. Five years later, I accepted an opportunity to become Vice President of Operations at Apex Site Management, a Philadelphia-based rooftop management company.

During my time there, Apex grew into the largest rooftop management company in the country before being acquired by a tower company. I continued leading the rooftop division until the Philadelphia office eventually closed.

Q: What did you learn while at Apex?

A: It became obvious that wireless telecommunications wasn’t a passing trend—it was the future. As carriers invested billions of dollars into expanding their networks, the demand for rooftop antenna locations continued to grow.

We helped property owners generate new revenue by leasing their rooftops for wireless infrastructure. Watching those opportunities develop showed me just how valuable telecom leases could become as long-term assets.

Q: Were there any “aha” moments that shaped your career?

A: Absolutely.

We often compared telecom leases to winning the lottery because of their dependable long-term income. If you win the lottery, you can choose either a lump-sum payment or annual payouts. Yet property owners with telecom leases had no comparable option. Banks weren’t lending against these relatively new assets, so I saw an opportunity.

I raised $5 million and became one of the first investors purchasing long-term interests in telecom leases, giving property owners another way to realize the value of their wireless assets.

Q: How did you and Mark Roscioli become partners?

A: I owned the telecom lease interests on a property that Mark wanted to acquire. Through that transaction, we realized that combining our telecom expertise with Mark’s commercial real estate knowledge created tremendous opportunities.

After successfully completing that deal, we decided to partner together and pursue similar investments where our combined experience could unlock value that others often overlooked.

Q: What do you look for in an investment? 

A: Like Mark, I’m drawn to complicated transactions that require creativity and persistence. Those are often the deals where the greatest value can be created.

When transitioning properties into more traditional commercial real estate investments, I focus on dependable cash flow, strong credit tenants, and assets that require minimal day-to-day oversight.

Most importantly, our clients appreciate our experience and straightforward approach, which helps move transactions from opportunity to successful closing.

Q: What sets 17 Mile Real Estate apart?

A: We do what we say we’re going to do.

That straightforward, honest approach has helped us build lasting relationships throughout the telecom and commercial real estate industries. Many of our best opportunities come from property owners, brokers, and industry professionals we’ve worked with years earlier who continue to view us as their trusted telecom real estate resource.

Treating everyone fairly has always been one of the foundations of our business.

Q: What advice would you give someone interested in telecom or commercial real estate?

A: My advice is to gain experience inside the industry first. Whether your interest is commercial real estate or telecommunications, working directly for a carrier, tower company, real estate firm, or industry service provider provides invaluable experience.

Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes commitment, patience, and the willingness to continually learn. Telecommunications will continue evolving, and there will always be opportunities for professionals with technical expertise and an understanding of wireless infrastructure.

Q: What helps keep you grounded outside of work?

A: I’m fortunate to have a close, supportive family. In fact, my wife was the banker on our very first real estate purchase.

I enjoy spending time with our three children, our two dogs, friends, and family whether we’re at home in Blue Bell or relaxing at Lake Naomi. Golf, boating, traveling, and collecting single malt Scotch are a few of my favorite ways to recharge.

Ben’s Areas of Expertise

• Telecom lease acquisitions
• Wireless infrastructure investments
• Cell tower and rooftop lease valuation
• Commercial real estate acquisitions
• Creative investment strategies
• Telecom asset consulting
• Property owner advisory services
• Long-term real estate investing

Work with Ben Long and the Team at 17 Mile Real Estate

Whether you’re considering selling a telecom lease, evaluating a property with wireless infrastructure, or exploring a complex commercial real estate opportunity, Ben Long and the 17 Mile team bring decades of experience to every conversation.

Contact 17 Mile Real Estate to discuss your telecom real estate goals with Ben and the team.

About 17 Mile Real Estate

17 Mile Real Estate is a commercial real estate investment firm specializing in telecom real estate, wireless infrastructure, and value-driven acquisitions. The company works with property owners, investors, brokers, and industry professionals to identify opportunities that others often overlook, combining deep telecommunications knowledge with commercial real estate expertise.

From acquiring properties with existing cell tower and rooftop leases to helping owners evaluate the value of telecom assets, 17 Mile Real Estate takes a practical, relationship-focused approach to every transaction. The firm’s reputation has been built on transparency, creative problem-solving, and following through on every commitment.

Whether you’re considering selling a telecom lease, exploring a commercial real estate opportunity, or simply want to understand the value of your wireless infrastructure, the team at 17 Mile Real Estate is ready to help.

Contact 17 Mile Real Estate to start the conversation.

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17 Mile Commercial Real Estate
Trusted Buyer. Proven Closer. Preferred Partner.