OPW -- Apr 12 -- Christopher Walker teamed up with a couple of friends at Yale to launch the first “computer” dating company called Operation Match in 1966. All of the questionnaire answers had to be typed up on computer punch cards and run through the computer by hand. For $3, you would get a list of six names and addresses for potential matches. 43 years later, in March 2009, and following the launch of his free online dating site, PersonalQuest.com, he received an email from Brenda Serotte who wrote to tell him that she has been very happily married to her husband Jeff for 42 years – and they met through Operation Match! She was working in New York City, and he was stationed in New Jersey in the Navy, and though they both initially liked each other’s names on the list, they “first went through three disastrous dates apiece” before they met. Brenda said “I’ve always wanted to thank you guys.”
Mark Brooks: Success stories are what keep the Courtland Brooks team additionally motivated. We were just a bit taken aback to see one from 42 years ago. (Full Disclosure: Chris Walker is a client of Courtland Brooks)
First time ever I heard such an old dating survey. Operation Match was really amazing. match.com tips
Posted by: match.com tips | Apr 12, 2009 at 07:41 AM
We're so happy that Brenda and Jeff benefited from our pioneering efforts decades ago. It was a great bargain at $2 (or even $3, I can't remember!) -- not much money and the benefits were priceless. Today thanks to modern technology we offer much more for FREE - can't do better than that! Isn't it wonderful living in the 21st century where we have access to the world's resources at our fingertips, and at an unbeatable cost.
Posted by: Chris Walker | Apr 14, 2009 at 12:14 PM