Local Matchmaker Helps Pittsburghers Find Lasting Love
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - We're always telling you about Pittsburgh's place atop various high-profile lists.
We're the most livable city, the best city to raise a family and the best place to watch a football game.
However, we're also the worst at something.
Several publications have pegged Pittsburgh as the worst city for singles.
KDKA's Kym Gable Reports:
However, there is one woman who is trying to fix that lonely-heart image. She's Pittsburgh's very own matchmaker.
Lisa Mason Eck had always been on the fast track when it came to her career, her family and her health. However, when it came to love, she felt like she was going nowhere.
Until Mark came into the picture.
"He loves me for me. I can be me with Mark and that's a fantastic feeling," Lisa Eck said.
"At least from my perspective, I thought when we first met that I had found my partner," Mark Eck said.
Mark and Lisa were both divorcees with grown children. They had ambitious career goals and even worked out at the same gym, but they'd never met until September of 2011.
Could Lisa and Mark have found themselves on their own? Well, there's always that chance. However, they each felt they needed a little guidance in the relationship department.
So, they sought the help of a real-life Cupid of sorts here in Pittsburgh and she takes the business of love very seriously.
Susan Dunhoff is the modern matchmaker. Her Squirrel Hill office fulfills a lifelong passion of connecting Pittsburghers looking for love.
"I don't like the word 'read people,' but that's what I do. I have a skill of getting on your wavelength quickly. Although, there's no rush with the consultation. That's where I really get to know the client," Dunhoff said.
Her success rate is about 85 percent and she loves a challenge.
KDKA Radio's Robert Mangino interviews Susan Dunhoff. She offers advice on the best places to meet a special someone, how to read date behavior and answers questions from some listeners:
"I was initially told that Lisa was not interested in me. So, I went ahead undaunted and which I didn't know, behind the scenes, the matchmaker Susan was doing her job," Mark Eck said.
Months went by and Lisa finally agreed to meet Mark. As far as Susan was concerned, this was a date with destiny.
Seven months later, the engagement and seven months after that, they had a storybook island wedding.
It was another success story for Susan in a city that Forbes Magazine said is the worst for singles. But, she disagrees.
"If you go to Chicago, New York, L.A., and you put yourself on a street corner, your knight in shining armor isn't going to sweep you up. It's a different atmosphere. It only takes that one person," Dunhoff said.
On this day, Susan embarks on another romantic mission with new client Nicole.
Like Susan's other clients, she doesn't have a problem meeting guys. She just hasn't met the right guy.
"So I've had to try to put myself out there a little more. And I've noticed a lot of people in Pittsburgh go to bars and clubs to meet people. That's not my type of thing and being I'm a little older than that crowd, it's been difficult," Nicole Glasgow said.
It's another mission for the modern matchmaker, who is committed to writing another happy ending with the perfect partner.
Lisa and Mark achieved that goal like hundreds of others in Susan's service.
"I'm just so excited. Even a client can tell my enthusiasm. They say I know this is going to be a great match. I say, how do you know? By the tone of your voice," Dunhoff said.
"I hoped that this would be the end result, for sure I did, but this has been beyond my wildest imagination. Just thrilled," Lisa Eck said.
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