DETROIT – Sean Stockman said it all started when he drove past an abandoned preschool and couldn’t ignore the mess. He stopped. Cleaned it up. But he didn’t stop there.
Now, he’s known all over Detroit — and YouTube — as ‘Midlife Stockman.’
Once a video editor and later working a 9-to-5 corporate job, 43-year-old Sean Stockman hit a turning point two years ago. What some might call a midlife crisis, Stockman turned into purpose. Now, we like to call him Detroit’s Mr. Clean.
“I’ve been called plenty of things,” he laughed.
But instead of leaning into cliché, he grabbed a shovel and got to work — literally.
He thought: “It’s gonna be a good way to get out my energy and it’s gonna look great for the neighborhood,” he said.
And what started as one act of cleanup became a full-blown mission to beautify and rebuild Detroit’s neighborhoods — one yard, porch, and overgrown lot at a time.
His efforts caught on — both on the streets and online. His YouTube channel Midlife Stockman has racked up more than 800,000 subscribers, but more importantly, he’s connecting with real people in real need.
“Someone was in real need and said ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve been praying for somebody to come help me,’” Stockman said.
He’s trimmed trees, cut grass, hauled debris, and built porches for seniors, disabled residents, and anyone simply overwhelmed by life and in need of a helping hand.
“It opens the door for so much more, too,” he said. “Ultimately, what I want is to hear their story while I’m there. And certainly for people to be heard — it doesn’t take much at all to listen to them and take a minute and pause.”
On Monday, Midlife Stockman showed up — unannounced — to help a Detroit resident and her neighbor.
“He showed up at my door today,” Erin Oly said. “I thought he was trying to sell me some DIRECTV or Verizon maybe!”
But it was just Sean, shovel in hand, ready to work in the 90° heat.
“It’s amazing. It’s really, really amazing,” Erin said. “I’m super grateful to have help. I think it’s really great community-building work work.”
If you or someone you know could use a helping hand, or if you’d like to support Midlife Stockman and be part of his mission:
YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@MidlifeStockman
Email: midlifestockman@gmail.com
Website: https://www.midlifestockman.com
