Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Wardman.
Leslie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I would like to think that Ambiance is one of the most experienced matchmakers in the industry with over fifteen years of work in the field. Following a twenty year career in ESPN production and advertising, I decided to put my passion and natural talent for networking into what I call the most important part of life – finding your significant other.
I became the Matchmaker and Director for an international matchmaking company for busy, single professionals during the 1990’s. Yet, I envisioned a more personal, hands-on matchmaking experience.
This vision is what led me to create Ambiance Matchmaking in 2002.
I like to rely on client referrals and word-of-mouth. I believe a job well done is better than any form of advertising. This adds an extra layer to the pre-screening process, as I already have a built-in reference.
Over the past fifteen years, I’ve worked with thousands of clients across the United States, Canada, and the world. I am grateful to have worked with such amazing singles in accomplishing their dating, relationship and marriage goals.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a bit of a wild ride! Being able to help people is wonderful, however, people don’t realize how much work goes into matchmaking! If you love what you do and are driven by passion then you wouldn’t have it any other way. I have to say that expanding to where we are today didn’t happen without some growing pains.
Creating our networks, constant strategizing, hiring good, caring and responsible staff are all a big part of it. There were times I felt the need to catch my breath but had to just keep pushing forward. Having marathon mentality builds a strong mind which is needed in running an organization involving thousands of people over the years. Surrounding yourself with key partners that strengthen your weaknesses is monumental. Our company manager of fifteen years keeps everything on track and for that I am thankful.
A real struggle for me has been to realize that you can’t make everyone happy no matter how hard you try. I am a chronic optimist and that lesson came with some bumps and bruises. It can hurt when you have tried so hard and nothing is good enough no matter what business you are in. I have worked through this and now don’t take it as personally as I used to.
Ambiance Matchmaking – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
It’s simple, really. Here is a daily schedule in the life of a matchmaker at Ambiance: Reach out to new leads who are wanting to learn more about us. That’s always fun to see who is wanting us to help them in this very special part of their life. It’s usually professionals that have every other area of their life in order and is only missing this one element.
Our business model is working with busy singles on an equal playing field. Matching wealthy men with young beautiful women is not our thing. When we match (daily from 9-1030) it’s built on family values, where you are in life and where you want to see yourself going. This takes me to one of the things I am most proud of about Ambiance… to the best of my knowledge, all of the marriages that we’ve put together over the years are still together with the exception of one and I believe it is because of how we match.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Nothing makes me happier than when two people come together and really click. Getting that phone call asking to put their account on hold because they have met the person of their dreams. Being able to feel their joy and experience the excitement vicariously is what makes it all worthwhile.
Contact Info:
- Address: 388 Market St Suite 1300, San Francisco, CA 94111
- Website: www.ambiancematchmaking.com
- Phone: 844-773-6515
- Email: leslie@ambiancematchmaking.com
- Instagram: lesliewardman
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmbianceMatchmakingChicago/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lovematchmaking?lang=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ambiance-matchmaking-san-francisco-bay-area
Image Credit:
Chas Photo
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