Episode 66 Barbie Adler, Selective Search

Barbie Adler gives new meaning to the phrase “mystery date” with a star turn on Middle Market Musings.  Barbie is Founder and President of Selective Search, the nation’s preeminent luxury matchmaker.  Barbie traces her origin story from Chicagoland roots to Bradley University to early successes in public relations and executive search.  Her work experience led her to found Selective Search in 2000, based on her belief that the principles of high-end executive search could be applied to romantic relationships. In 2019, Barbie brought in an equity partner – Permanent Equity.  She hits on a few favorite MMM themes – how to scale a highly specialized service offering, how to evolve from entrepreneurial to institutional ownership, and what to say when a business owner or dating prospect says they’re a “9” and you know they’re a “7.”