Frequently Asked Questions

The Standard Agency is a private matchmaking firm serving accomplished individuals who want a more selective and personalized alternative to dating apps. We work closely with clients to understand their goals, identify compatible candidates, and coordinate thoughtful introductions.

Our roots date back to 1993. In 2023, The Standard Agency, Inc. acquired two existing, well known, matchmaking companies, MQI (est. 1993) and Professional Matchmaking, LLC., established (2016). Technically we acquired the assets of these companies, rather than the companies themselves.

The lawsuit reported by the New York Post concerns an agreement that was entered into in August 2023 between Dr. Michael Gelb and Professional Matchmaking, LLC—not The Standard Agency.

The Standard Agency was not in operation at the time and was not involved in the transaction. We did not receive payment from Dr. Gelb, did not enter into a contract with him, and did not provide the services that are the subject of his claims.

In fact, The Standard Agency first became aware of the dispute when the New York Post article was published in 2025.

In November, 2023, The Standard Agency had acquired certain assets of Professional Matchmaking, LLC. As a result of that asset acquisition, The Standard Agency was named in the lawsuit under a legal "successor liability" theory, even though it was not involved in the underlying transaction.

For readers who would like to review the allegations themselves, we have provided a copy of the publicly filed complaint here. We encourage readers to review the actual court filings rather than relying solely on news headlines.

We disagreed with the manner in which the New York Post article characterized the dispute and requested that it be corrected. Those requests were not accepted, and the article remains online.

Our clients are typically successful, discerning individuals who value their time and prefer a confidential, professionally managed search. We also interview qualified singles who may be considered for introductions to our clients.

Dating apps generally require users to screen large numbers of profiles on their own. Professional matchmaking replaces that volume-driven process with personal consultation, candidate recruitment, interviews, screening, coordination, and feedback. The objective is not to present the most options, but to identify the most relevant ones.

We work with clients in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States and can conduct broader searches when appropriate. The geographic scope of a search is discussed during the consultation and depends on the client’s location, mobility, preferences, and membership.

The process begins with a confidential consultation. We discuss your relationship goals, lifestyle, preferences, prior dating experiences, geographic considerations, and the qualities that matter most to you in a partner.

Potential matches may come from our existing network, prior interviews, referrals, targeted recruiting, professional networks, social channels, and other search methods. The mix depends on the client and the requirements of the search.

Yes. Candidates considered for introductions are personally interviewed so that we can evaluate compatibility beyond photographs and basic profile information. We seek to understand personality, relationship goals, lifestyle, availability, and genuine interest.

Screening procedures vary depending on the membership, candidate, jurisdiction, and information available. We may use identity verification, public-record review, interviews, references, and third-party screening tools where appropriate. No screening process can guarantee that every fact about an individual will be discovered.

When both individuals express interest, our team coordinates the introduction and provides relevant context. Depending on the circumstances, the first meeting may be a phone call, video conversation, coffee, drinks, or dinner.

Membership fees vary based on the length and scope of the search, geographic reach, recruiting requirements, and level of service. Specific options and fees are discussed after an initial consultation.

Membership terms vary. Many searches are conducted over six or twelve months, although other structures may be available depending on the client’s needs and the nature of the search.

No. We evaluate whether we believe we can conduct a credible search based on the client’s expectations, preferences, location, availability, and overall fit with our service. We may decline a membership when we do not believe we are the right firm for the search.

Pause provisions depend on the specific membership agreement. Where available, they are intended for circumstances such as travel, medical issues, a developing relationship, or another temporary reason the client cannot actively participate.

Successful matchmaking requires timely communication, reasonable availability, honest feedback, openness to thoughtful recommendations, and respectful treatment of candidates. Clients should also keep us informed of meaningful changes in their circumstances or preferences.

There is no universal schedule because the timing depends on the search criteria, candidate availability, mutual interest, geography, and feedback from prior introductions. We focus on presenting appropriate candidates rather than meeting an artificial weekly or monthly quota unless the membership agreement states otherwise.

The amount of information shared before an introduction depends on the membership, the candidate’s privacy preferences, and our process. In many cases, clients receive photographs and relevant background information before deciding whether to proceed.

We request candid feedback from both parties. That information helps us understand chemistry, refine the search, identify patterns, and make better-informed recommendations moving forward.

You are not required to meet every candidate. We do, however, encourage specific and constructive feedback so we can understand whether the concern reflects a genuine incompatibility or an assumption that may be worth reconsidering.

Yes. Depending on the membership and search, our team may recruit beyond our existing network to identify qualified individuals who fit the client’s criteria.

We treat client and candidate information as confidential and disclose it only as reasonably necessary to provide matchmaking services, obtain consent for an introduction, satisfy legal obligations, or as otherwise described in the applicable agreement and privacy policy.

No. The Standard Agency is not a public dating platform. Client and candidate information is shared selectively rather than posted for public browsing.

We work with individuals from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds, including clients who require enhanced discretion. Specific privacy protocols can be discussed during the consultation.

No. Personal compatibility, attraction, timing, and relationship decisions are ultimately outside any matchmaker’s control. We provide professional search, recruiting, screening, introductions, coordination, and feedback, but we cannot guarantee chemistry, exclusivity, marriage, or any particular relationship outcome.

The strongest results generally occur when a client combines clear priorities with reasonable flexibility, communicates openly, provides useful feedback, makes time to date, and evaluates candidates based on the full person rather than a rigid checklist.

Some clients receive an appropriate introduction relatively quickly; more specialized searches may take longer. Timing depends on the criteria, market, geographic range, candidate availability, mutual interest, and the pace at which the client is able to participate.

A consultation is the best way to determine fit. We will discuss what you are looking for, explain how we would approach the search, and assess whether our service and expectations align.