In a ‘world of ghosting,' this KC-area matchmaking service helps singles find love
'The dating world here nowadays isn't the greatest,' said 30-year-old John Scavuzzo of Kansas City. 'I've been on dates and everything, but it never goes past a couple of months, because there's always the whole world of ghosting.'
While modern online dating has its benefits, Scavuzzo, like many singles in the metro, has struggled to find a connection.
One organization based in KC, however, is making efforts to help singles in the region find their perfect match. But unlike common dating apps, this organization takes a more outdated route to modern dating.
How Midwest Matchmaking came to be
Courtney Quinlan, CEO and founder of Midwest Matchmaking, a Midwest-focused matchmaking service with the tagline 'Love Without Swiping,' realized she had a passion for helping others find love, a dedication that emerged from her post-grad position working for a national matchmaking company.
In an email to the Star, Quinlan expressed how this position pushed her to launch her own matchmaking agency.
'While I loved the work, I knew I could improve the experience for clients and had my own ideas about how matchmaking should be done—more personalized, more genuine, and more regionally focused.'
In 2009, Quinlan launched Omaha Love and in 2017, she expanded her company into Midwest Matchmaking to provide her services throughout the entire region. Serving exclusively the Midwest, it is the only matchmaking service dedicated to the region.
'We offer a more personal, high-touch approach—no blind dates or endless swiping,' said Quinlan.
From scheduling dates to introductions, the agency also takes care of all of the logistics for its clients.
'Clients see photos and profiles before agreeing to meet someone and we personally meet and screen every candidate to ensure quality and compatibility.'
How the matchmaking process works
For Midwest Matchmaking, the process involves providing singles with qualified individuals for guidance during the dating process. From professional photos and introductions with other singles to post-date feedback and coaching, the agency refines its process per individual in order to find a successful match.
Continuously refining their systems through actual humans over algorithms and technological methods within dating apps has a more personal approach, according to Quinlan. 'There's no algorithm that can replace human intuition, empathy, and experience when it comes to matters of the heart.'
But there's more to a successful match than meets the eye. Matchmakers at the agency must collect a wide variety of information to take into consideration, such as lifestyle choices and politics, parenting preferences, age ranges and other aspects of life such as smoking, drinking and tattoos.
'Our experienced matchmakers use their instincts and expertise to suggest strong matches, but we always include the client's voice in the final decision,' Quinlan told the Star. 'We know attraction is subjective and chemistry can't always be predicted by a profile.'
Midwestern values and dating pools
When it comes to specifically focusing on the Midwest, Quinlan told the Star how differences in the dating scene vary in coastal states from the Midwest and how, with these differences, come lasting outcomes.
'People in the Midwest tend to settle down earlier than those on the coasts. As a result, we often see younger divorcees. The cultural pace here is just a bit different, more family-focused and grounded.'
But values and priorities have changed over time for the dating pool. According to Quinlan, the main priority for local singles no longer focuses on traditional milestones such as marriage or having children, but on emotional connections. 'The focus has become less about 'checking boxes' and more about finding someone they can truly enjoy life with.'
While matchmaking services may seem obsolete to some, others have been turning to them after failing to make a connection through dating apps or in real life.
'I've been trying to look for more alternatives to get off the dating apps,' said 27-year-old Daniel Gray of Kansas City, Missouri. 'It's interesting because at that point, I feel like it's out of my hands. I'm trusting these people to make a judgment that I think I would be better making myself. But I do think there's a space for them. I think there could be a sense of novelty that comes with it.'
Putting your love life in the hands of another can be a risky move. For 23-year-old Derri Morrison, dating has had its struggles after experiencing the vast differences of Midwestern values compared to other regions.
Previously living in major cities such as Houston and Dallas, Texas, Morrison has also resided in quiet towns of Ottawa and now Olathe, Kansas.
'In smaller towns in Kansas, what they expect out of a relationship and the kind of person they are expected to bring home is very different from a big city. People that live out there, they're more open to any type of person than here.'
While she has struggled to make a connection via dating apps or face-to-face, Morrison is still hesitant about matchmaking services, as they require a lot of opening up on her end for a matchmaking service to work.
'They (matchmakers) would have to really know the type of person I am,' said Morrison. 'Really get to know me and know the type of person that I even want to be around, or the type of people I allow to be around me.
But it is refreshing. I feel like people that go to matchmakers know more of what they want if they're taking that step to actually find someone to help them, instead of relying on an app or themselves. Matchmakers pick the qualities in two different people that they could see together, even though it doesn't always work out, they were matched for a reason.'
How to find 'love without swiping'
Find Midwest Matchmaker's prices, services and locations on its website at midwestmatchmaking.com/
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