Bernie Lang is the president and CEO of The Renschler Company Inc., Madison. He joined Renschler more than 18 years ago as a project manager, but he’s built up 25 years of construction experience over the course of his career.

He graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1980 with a degree in business. After signing on with Renschler, Lang, 49, rose through the ranks as director of business development and vice president before taking over the role of president in January 2005.

As president of the firm, Lang, who lives in Madison, is responsible for the company’s general management, client development, client retention and strategic planning.

Little did he know that his job would also bring him face to face with Wisconsin Builder’s Burning Questions.

What is your greatest regret?

“That my father passed away before my sons and stepdaughters could meet him. He had many roles — father, husband, provider, role model. He managed all of them while setting a great example. I didn’t have a chance to play more golf with him is another.”

How would you like to die?

“I wouldn’t ‘like’ to, first of all. But when I do, walking down the fairway with my two sons, or, of course, sleeping next to [wife] Amy.”

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

“If? God would say, ‘I am so glad you are here. There are some spirits here that have been waiting to be with you.’ Oh, and, ‘Yes, I have some Haribou Gummy Bears up here for you.’”

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

“I would be younger.”

On what occasion do you lie?

“I do not. I wouldn’t be very good at it, trying to remember all of the wrong things I’d said.”

What is it you most dislike?

“The perceived commoditization of our industry. Not everyone does green the right way or has a true, open-book cost process or takes time to educate their clients.”

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

“Achieving a levelness among all of the different facets of your life — family, faith, business. It is perfect when I feel that my life has a sustained balance. Like golf, when I can drive, chip and putt well during the same round, it is really fun. Even though I try, this is seldom the case … in golf.”

What is your motto?

“Stay true to yourself, even when the going gets tough.”

What is your current state of mind?

“I’m very pleased. I’m truly blessed to be able to wake up every day and do what I do with the people I do it with and for the people that allow us to work for them. Then I get to go home and enjoy my family.”