Selective Search is widely recognized by local, national and international media as a well respected, industry leading personal search firm.

Archive 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000


Media Coverage 2006

  • "Barbie Adler, CEO of Selective Search Inc., has a reputation as the nation’s elite matchmaking queen. Crain's asked Ms. Adler, to provide names of clients, and a handful of high-ranking executives and politicos — all of whom insisted on anonymity — adamantly vouched for her service. Indeed, a key to Ms. Adler's appeal is being able to speak an executive's language". Crain’s Chicago Business, June 26, 2006
  • "A lot of the men we work with haven't focused on their personal life until later because they've had their nose to the grindstone trying to excel professionally," she says. "Our clients have no problem getting a date, but they're not going to bars or clubs, and they're too private to go online. They don't want their underlings to see their photos." Crain’s Chicago Business, June 26, 2006
  • "Personal stylist and lifestyle consultant Claire Wexler of Chicago-based Substance Meets Style will sift through your sorry closet with you, go shopping with you, even guide you through the ins and outs of personal grooming… Perhaps that's why some Clients have been known to remark that consulting with Wexler is as good as having a wife to provide style instruction." Chicago Tribune May 21, 2006
  • "It's not old fashioned dating anymore, meeting and dating is American's huge obsession. Meet Barbie Adler, the nation's top matchmaker." Extra May 6, 2006
  • "It's not about changing someone," Adler says. "It's about making someone into the best person they can be." USA Today, April 10, 2006
  • "What Are Love's Chances? – With so many Hollywood couple splitting up these days, are there any duos with the potential for longevity?  USA Today gets Matchmaker Barbie Adler's take on the staying power of hot pairs and rates them on a scale of one to three hearts."  USA Today March 22, 2006
  • "The dynamics of dating have changed for Boomers," says Barbie Adler, president Selective Search.  "At this point, they know what's a deal breaker in the relationship.  Sure they want love and companionship, but they also aren't willing to settle, nor should they." South Florida, Sun Sentinel, February 23, 2006
  • "No matter what the site, in a virtual world, people feel more open to be rude, aggressive, or lie openly, says Adler, matchmaker to the most powerful men in the country.  Singles can save endless hours, money, and unnecessary heartbreak with a personal recruiter." Chicago Sun Times, February 23, 2006
  • "This year, the Starlight Starbright "Dream Date Auction" features 15 prominent Bachelors and Bachelorettes courtesy of Selective Search, Inc." ABC7Chicago.com, February 10, 2006
  • "Barbie Adler, relationship expert says, ‘Having put so many couples together, I know that during the holidays, the act of being unattached is a petri dish of emotion - frustration, stress, loneliness - and the social pressure of the holidays can make you feel like you're a relationship outcast.'"  Reuters Syndicate, February 9, 2006
  • "Queen Of Hearts:  Meet Chicago's Most Powerful Matchmaker - Barbie Adler finds love for the city's power players."  Chicago Social, February 2006
  • "Not Your Father's Business Club – Entrepreneur's Organization, Chicago, a business and community building organization for multi-million dollar businesses.  Notable Board Member: Barbie Adler, president, Selective Search."  Crain's, January 16, 2006
  • "Adler, a former executive recruiter, represents high-caliber single men and women around the world. Relying on screening techniques used by Fortune 500 companies, she finds Clients their perfect matches."  Marie Claire Magazine, January 2006


Media Coverage 2005

  • "For singles, the holidays can either be a great gift or a real test of will and self-confidence," said Adler, president of Selective Search, Inc." Salt Lake Tribune, December 18, 2005
  • "High-powered matchmaker Barbie Adler said the signs were obvious. There's the heart condition. His wife's not-so-secret disdain for him jumping back into politics. The huge pay cut if he won. And the fact that he kept reminding people that he's been there and done that." Daily Herald, October 2, 2005
  • "Featured in ‘What's Hot Section':  Hate the game and the player?  Selective Atlanta singles - look no further than Selective Search, personal matchmaker to successful, commitment minded bachelors. Jezebel Magazine (Atlanta) 2005
  • "Clean this guy up! After a nudge from co-workers, top real estate developer Barry Schain decided his image needed a tune-up. He hired Substance Meets Style, a division of Selective Search, Inc. to help him upgrade his work wardrobe." Crain's July 2005
  • "Boy Vey! The Shiksa's Guide to Dating Jewish Men" A funny, audacious guide for non-Jews looking to hook up with our Hebrew brethren. Includes charts of where the most Jewish men are, and translations from Yiddish. Barbie Adler, personal matchmaker and relationship expert, Guest Author. San Francisco Chronicle, June 12, 2005
  • "Enough already with Mr. & Mrs., Smith and all the Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie talk. What about a match for Jennifer Aniston?" USA Today asks Barbie Adler to weigh in. USA Today, Cover Lifestyles, June 10, 2005
  • "If you're single, you need to know cupid's CEO - Barbie Adler, personal matchmaker. She makes love work for the country's top executives and sought after women." New York Post, June 9, 2005
  • "Measuring Success: When does an entrepreneur know they've made it? ‘It's not always money or added sales that matter most, it's when your Clients are so happy with your services, they refer other Clients to you', says Barbie Adler, CEO of Selective Search, Inc." Crain's May 2005
  • "Boy Vey!" focuses on dating. ‘Marriage', agrees Barbie Adler, the founder of Selective Search, a Chicago-based personal matchmaking firm featured in the book, ‘is another ballgame, at the end of the day, married life is hard and a common spiritual foundation helps." The Jewish Week, May 13, 2005
  • "Barbie Adler, 'wing woman' extraordinaire, stops at nothing to find Clients potential mates." Chicago Tribune, November 2005
  • "Alex "Hitch" Hitchens is a professional "date doctor" who teaches guys with low self-esteem how to get the girl of their dreams. Will Smith has nothing over Barbie Adler, a real life personal matchmaker with a Client list that includes the country's most eligible men and women." NBC TV 2005
  • "Relationship experts say the holidays are a prime time for breakups." The Red Eye asks Barbie Adler her thoughts on holiday splits. Red Eye, November 15, 2005
  • "The way couples deal with illness and health issues is now considered an indication of future bliss according to Selective Search." Self Magazine March 2005
  • "All counselors are former headhunters who apply those principles to matchmaking." Inc. Magazine February 2005
  • "When you want to talk the business of love, Barbie Adler, relationship expert and personal matchmaker to the most eligible men and women in the country is your destination." Fox TV 2005
  • "… (Adler's) not interested in her Clients favorite colors or whether they're avid golfers, she's concerned about values. Mores. Lifestyle choices. In fact, she and her associates - all of whom like Adler - have backgrounds in executive recruiting." North Shore Magazine, February 2005
  • "…Singles of Substance Meets Style at Dylan's Candy store for a Valentine's treat complete with chocolate-and-wine pairing hosted by the matchmaking company Selective Search. Guests will also meet Barbie Adler, relationship advisor to ABC's The Bachelor." Time Out (New York), Feb 3-9, 2005
  • "Time constraints," says Barbie Adler, head of Selective Search, naming the No. 1 reason most matchmakers say their clients come to them." MSN Money, January 23, 2005
  • "Preparation is paramount," said Barbie Adler, founder and president of Selective Search. "Make sure you know what topics to avoid. Say, for example, they have a sister in rehab. Each family has a different dynamic in terms of hot buttons." Erie Times News, January 13, 2005
  • "The interview was comprehensive (do politics matter?) and personal (ever truly been in love?), but staff makes you feel so comfortable that you'd divulge the name of your fourth-grade crush or the intimate details of your last hookup. Singles: Run as though you were being chased to Selective Search." Metro Mix 2005
  • "In the spirit of ‘Meet The Fockers', we asked a dating expert what not to do when meeting your loved one's parents. ‘Preparation is paramount,' said Barbie Adler, founder and president of Selective Search, a Chicago based matchmaking firm. Each family has a different dynamic in terms of hot buttons." Scene Magazine 2005


Media Coverage 2004

  • · "As John Kerry searches for his vice-presidential running mate, matchmaker Barbie Adler has a few pointers, starting at the top of the senator’s head." The Washington Post , April 29, 2004
  • "Barbie Adler quoted in Wall Street Journal about her ideas about a running mate." CNN, Crossfire, April 26th, 2004
  •  "Making a match for John Kerry…Barbie Adler, professional matchmaker, has some ideas about a running mate." The Wall Street Journal (front page, April 26, 2004
  •  "Currently, Adler offers the only service that conducts background checks and in-depth interviews…" Daily Herald, April 2, 2004
  • "Since John Kerry is very, very serious, his running mate should be a bit more human."  Dallas Morning News, March 27, 2004
  • ·"Selective Search is the Rolls Royce of matchmaking." CLTV, April 2nd, 2004
    Barbie Adler - the Korn-Ferry of matchmaking."  Chicago Tonight, February 10th, 2004
  • "Men really do want more than just an arm charm," confirms Barbie Adler, president of the Selective Search dating service. "They have respect for someone who brings something to the table besides a good set of legs. Looks can fade, and what are you left with?" Chicago Sun Times, February 10, 2004
  • "Barbie Adler, quoted in Wall Street Journal about her ideas about a running mate." CNN, Crossfire, April 26th, 2004
  • "Selective Search is the Rolls Royce of matchmaking." CLTV, April 2nd, 2004
  • Barbie Adler - the Korn-Ferry of matchmaking."  Chicago Tonight, February 10th, 2004
  • "As John Kerry searches for his vice-presidential running mate, Chicago matchmaker Barbie Adler has a few pointers, starting at the top of the senator's head." The Washington Post , April 29, 2004
  • "Making a match for John Kerry…Barbie Adler, professional matchmaker, has some ideas about a running mate." The Wall Street Journal (front page) , April 26, 2004
  • "Currently, Adler offers the only service that conducts background checks and in-depth interviews…" Daily Herald, April 2, 2004
  • "Since John Kerry is very, very serious, his running mate should be a bit more human."  Dallas Morning News, March 27, 2004

Media Coverage 2003

  • "Selective Search is the best resource out there."(Mary Long, on-air personality), "Mary & Jen" Show, WGN Radio- syndicated, May 24, 2003
  • Selective Search takes a combination of the old-world yenta and today’s savvy business models," The Wall Street Journal , December 9, 2003
  • "Selective Search, in what might be the first attempt anywhere, has brought the principles long used by the executive search industry to the challenge of finding a lifelong companion."  Chicago Sun Times, December 9, 2003
  • "The women (at the Selective Search's female only scouting party) showed up, 200 of them, all of them single, attractive and fashionable."  Chicago Sun Times, August 13, 2003
  • "Barbie Adler, president of Selective Search has been making some waves with her matchmaking service by making love connections on behalf of the power elite." ePrairie.com, July 11, 2003
  • "Selective Search adds a filtering agent to matchmaking." Chicago Magazine, July 2003
  • "Selective Search identifies, filters, and qualifies potential matches for their Clients." Investor's Business Daily, June 2003
  • Selective Search was the relationship expert quoted throughout the "Getting Dates Timing Straight" article Chicago Tribune, April 1, 2003
  • "Enter Barbie Adler, a former Headhunter who runs matchmaking firm Selective Search...(with) a 30% first date success rate. How does Barbie find the mates? Some come to her, and she also relies on an intricate network of lawyers, tailors, manicurists and hairdressers to drop a dime on who's single or soon to be."  Fortune, March 31, 2003
  • "Selective Search uses corporate recruiting techniques to match their mostly male Clients with potential mates." Chicago Tribune, March 4, 2003
  • "Matchmaker finds upscale singles. Internet dating was entertaining for a while but was a waste of time. When Selective Search calls, I know there was thought put into the match." The Washington Post, February 23, 2003
  • "High end ultra exclusive personal matchmaking...Selective Search." Forbes, February 14, 2003
  • "Selective Search...applying the methodologies of business headhunters to the service." Crain's Business to Business Search, February 12, 2003
  • "Selective Search- Matchmaker for the 21st Century." Chicago Sun Times, February 5, 2003
  • "Selective Search knows the single people of high caliber."
    The Associated Press, February 4, 2003
  • "Chicago's premier dating and relationship experts." Today's Chicago Woman, February 2003
  • FOX, Los Angeles, CA, February 6th, 2003
  • KUSI-UPN, San Diego, CA, February 4th, 2003
  • KETV-FOX, San Diego, CA. February 4th, 2003
  • KNSD-NBC, San Diego, CA, February 4th, 2003
  • KFMB- CBC, San Diego, CA, February 3rd, 2003

Media Coverage 2002

  • "This month's fun, fearless female, Barbie Adler lives up to the title by creating blissful couples." Cosmopolitan Magazine November 2002
  • "Barbie Adler's Selective Search offers an old fashioned matchmaker service with a twist." Chicago Tribune, October 23, 2002
  • "Sure, CEOs, chairmen, executive directors, vice presidents, etc meet a lot of nice people, but when do they meet a companion for life? Enter a high-end service that operates as a companion headhunter for executives." Crain's Detroit Business - October 2002
  • "Selective Search plays matchmaker to busy executives... singles that don't want to waste their time on a blind date." NBC TV, Chicago, IL, September 2002
  • "Adler takes the uncertainty out of finding Mr. or Ms. Right. She acts as a personal coach to help people not make the same relationship mistakes they've made in the past." United Press International, August 2002
  • "When it comes to recruiting, the Marines could use a woman like Barbie Adler, a former corporate recruiter, now hunts for eligible singles." CBS News, The Early Morning Show, August 2002
  • "Barbie Adler brings the rigors of corporate headhunting to the business of love." Chicago Tribune, July 2002
  • "Selective Search...an upscale matchmaking resource." Today's Chicago Woman, June 2002
  • "High-end matchmaker – Selective Search...the expertise of someone who can simplify our love lives." MSN.com, May 2002
  • "With tech in the dumps, Silicon Valley is seeking true romance; Love's labor found Selective Search, a matchmaker who operates like an executive recruiter to find date mates." Forbes Magazine, May 2002
  • "An intimate matchmaking service for yuppies and up." Chicago Sun-Times, February 2002

Media Coverage 2001

  • · "Executive matchmaker company, Selective Search knows when love is in the air, and what to do if the chemistry is there." Wall Street Journal, December 2001
  • "Exclusive services with a personal touch that gets results."  190 North, December 2001
  • "Easily the most selective service in town." Chicago Magazine, July 2001
  • "Chicago's premier matchmaking service."  Chicago Social, March 2001
  • "Top rate strategies for woman, Selective Search." Glamour Magazine, February 2001

Media Coverage 2000

  • "A pro at finding mates."  Chicago Tribune, November 2000
  • "I was set up with attractive, successful guys." Marie Clair Magazine, October 2000
  • "Looking for that special someone. Selective Search can help you find the perfect mate." FOX TV, Chicago, IL, August 2000

Media Coverage 1999

  • "A cross between a yenta and a headhunter, Selective Search is striking a match." Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, April 1999
  • "Selective Search plays Cupid to Chicago's Elite." ABC TV, January 1999
The only matchmaking firm that serves as a personal recruiter Selective Search is a unique personal search resource Selective Search offers proven matchmaking success Selective Search is recognized by local, national and international media Meet Your Future Select Search welcomes your contact