Newport Beach Firm Plays Matchmaker

Kimberly of Palm & Associates used to be a real estate agent, matching people with houses.

Now she matches people with people.

Palm & Associates is a Newport Beach-based matchmaking service. Kimberly—they don't use last names, not even on business cards—found she had a knack for getting people together when she made some successful matches within her group of friends.

"It's great to make people happy and put a relationship together. I thought I would do it full time," she said.

The matchmaking process starts with prospective clients filling out a four-page questionnaire that helps Kimberly get a sense of who the person is and what they are looking for prior to the first appointment. During the free hour-long consultation, Kimberly decides if she is able to work with the client in finding a match. She doesn't accept everyone she meets with. The client has to be realistic in what they are looking for and open-minded.

(Most women want a man that is at least six feet tall. Men want a woman with a thin figure, Kimberly said. Most clients, women and men, see smoking as a deal breaker, she said.)

Kimberly said her clients mostly are well-educated, independent, established career women. The average age is 40 to 50 years old.

"They tell me, 'my life is great, but god it would be great to have someone to share it with,' " Kimberly said. 

Matchmakers don't share profiles or pictures of with clients before they meet. It is really like going on a blind date. Clients put their trust in Kimberly that it will be a good match. She will call a client, give them little info about the match and within 24 hours a date will be set. It's always dinner.

"I don't believe in coffee. Dinner you can relax, have a glass of wine. At lunch people are too busy. After the date both clients call me and give feedback," she said.

Kimberly says Palm & Associates offers security, real matches and a personal touch—things people can't always count on with dating websites.

"Internet dating is time-consuming and lacks privacy, but most importantly there's no one confirming the picture is correct or current, the age, maritial status or bio is true. There's no accountability. Internet dating sites have been known to be an easy place for con-artists and criminals to prey. The sites can work but you need a little luck, a lot of patience, time to manage your account and a good set of rules to follow," she said.

Of course, the personal touch comes at a price.

The fee for a yearlong contract is $5,000. But that is still a fraction of what other matchmaking services charge. The services of Millionaire Matchmaker's Patti Stanger , for example, which can cost upwards of $65,000.

The 12-month contract with Palm & Associates includes:

• Personalized attention from Kimberly, she will give you her cell phone number to call after dates. 
• An up to 6-month freeze on your account for vacation travel or if you find someone you are dating exclusively, extending the contract to 18 months.
• A guarantee of six matches. 
• After the contract expires the client will remain in the database at no additional charge to be matched with contracted clients. 

Call 949-706-5596 for information.

Kimberly's First Date Tips:

• Women dress sexy, but classy. Men are visual. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Make sure your hair and makeup is done. Wear a dress. 
• Men are not to pick you up at your house. That is something they have to earn to get, it's a privilege. 
• Men, chivalry is not dead. Women like it when a man opens doors, and no texting during the date. 
• Know what is going on in the world. Be up on current events. 
• Talk about being nervous, it gets you over it. 
• Try not to ask a bunch of questions otherwise it turns into an interview. 
• Talk about your day, like you are talking to someone you've always known. 
• Don't be superficial. You can change his clothes, his hair, but remember who you dated in the past. You can't change the fact that he is a liar. 
• Unless you see red flags, go on a minimum of three dates. People think you should have fireworks on the first date. You have to know who they are first, that's how you fall in love with someone. Give it time.