Today, Courtney Quinlan looks back on her 15 years of experience as a professional matchmaker. During that time, she founded Midwest Matchmaking, the region’s largest boutique matchmaking firm.
Like a classic “match made in heaven story,” Quinlan came to her career completely by chance. “I had never even heard of professional matchmaking when I left college and took a job at a local dating service,” she recalls. “I discovered a hidden talent, and the career I stumbled into became a lifelong passion.
How Courtney Quinlan followed her heart to Midwest Matchmaking
While working her first job at the local dating service, Quinlan was enthralled with every aspect of the matchmaking industry. However, as time went on, she began to notice subtle ways that she would improve the process if she had more influence. During the turmoil of 2009’s economic crisis, she took the plunge and launched her own matchmaking firm called Omaha Love.
“Starting a business at that time was a huge personal risk,” Quinlan remembers. “I had been offered a job in finance with a fabulous salary and benefits, but instead of settling for the safer path, I decided I had to follow my dream. I knew if I didn’t take the risk, I never would, and I couldn’t bear living a life wondering what might have been.”
Thankfully, Quinlan’s risk paid off. In 2016, she made another leap of faith and expanded Omaha Love’s reach to cover more of the surrounding region. Her business — now called Midwest Matchmaking — took on six new employees.
“This business grew into everything I hoped it would,” Quinlan proudly remarks. “We encountered growing pains along the way, but those bumps in the road only served to make us better at what we do.”
Without a doubt, the largest hurdle for Midwest Matchmaking was the pandemic. Global quarantine mandates and lockdown orders essentially put the matchmaking industry on ice for months on end, but Quinlan pivoted her in-person dating service to the virtual realm.
“Our clients still wanted connection,” she recalls, “and they made the transition right along with us. In the end, we employed several changes that we still use today.”
How Midwest Matchmaking pairs compatibility with chemistry
Midwest Matchmaking takes on selective clients who are too busy to waste time in the dating scene, and exposes them to like-minded singles. “Our clients are fantastic,” explains Quinlan. “They have it all — except that special someone to share their lives with. We provide a compatible match, arrange the first date, and offer the feedback and advice that point them toward their soulmate.”
Midwest Matchmaking has a track record that spans hundreds of happy marriages and long-term relationships. It keeps the process personal by meeting and screening every client. The firm provides professional headshots, helps clients build their dating profiles, then presents them with the profile and photo of a compatible match.
“We get the ball rolling by using our clients’ calendars to set up the first date,” Quinlan explains. “Clients choose where to meet, but we suggest cocktails or coffee. If it works — great! But if there is no chemistry, they don’t have to sit through an entire meal.”
The firm reviews post-date feedback with clients and provides guidance on where to go next. “We get to know each of our clients and what they are looking for in a forever partner,” says Quinlan. “Our matchmakers are extremely good at what they do. They are experts when it comes to identifying compatible matches — chemistry is trickier to predict. Sometimes, clients find a soulmate on their first match. For other clients, finding that perfect blend of chemistry and compatibility takes a little more time.”
The bulk of Midwest Matchmaking’s clients are professional singles between 30 and 50 years old. “We have thousands of clients in our database,” Quinlan notes, “but we serve all types of people and all ages. As we expand, our client base will continue to grow.”
When it comes to matchmaking, Quinlan and her staff offer the experience and personal touch clients need.
For information about how to find a special connection in the Midwest area, readers can contact the pros at Midwest Matchmaking.
