Meet Andrea Mcginty

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrea Mcginty a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Andrea, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I always knew I was good at fixing friends up—two college rommates got married and are still married–YAY!

But, in my early 20s, 2 days before my wedding, my fiancee called it off. Devastation. OMG! After the tears—and lots of bad fix-ups by friends—I thought “Why isn’t there a place you can go to find great men”….sort of like an executive recruiter finds people great fits for jobs—how about one that does it with my personal life???

This was the beginning—and you have to remember this is 1990—no google, no online dating.

So, I started my own—let’s just say this is much more fun than being in Finance (my degree).

I started It’s Just Lunch with $3,000 in Chicago—-and it took off. Fast forward 15 years and i have 110 locations worldwide. At that point I had 700 employees—but little contact with clients anymore which I missed.

And I loved it—I’m responsible for over 10, 200 marriages.

I sold it at it’s peak in 2010—-I had two offers the same week: one from Match.com, the other a Private Equity Firm. Part of the reason I accepted the PE offer was that I saw the future—online dating was finally getting it’s act together and becoming more credible and safe.

Them, people started calling me needing help with OD (online Dating). And boom, 33000Dates.com was born. It’s a blast and I get to work one on one with clients again. I wrote a book released in Feb 2025: 2nd Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating over 50 which has taken off—basically a “how to” manual with worksheets—sort of a business plan for your love life!

Now, I’m busy working with clients in their 2nd Acts of love—over 65% are in realtionships which makes me so happy! And I write, do about 7 podcasts a week as a guest and public speaking about dating. I feel like I have the best job in the world!!!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I think I covered much of it but here is my bio:

Bio: 2025

About Andrea McGinty: The Godmother of Modern Dating
Andrea McGinty’s journey is as compelling as the love stories she’s helped create. After being dumped at the altar in her 20s, founding It’s Just Lunch Matchmaking in 1990 (before google and all the online dating sites) and later navigating divorce after 24 years of marriage, Andrea took a four-year pause from dating to focus on raising her teenage daughter. When she decided to jump back into the dating world, she approached it strategically, and it paid off—her sixth first date turned into her husband, whom she married in Rome in 2024.

As the founder of It’s Just Lunch in the 1990s, Andrea revolutionized the matchmaking industry. Her innovative service grew to over 110 locations worldwide and facilitated over 33,000 setups, resulting in more than 10,000 marriages. Today, her company, 33,000 Dates, focuses on helping the over-45 crowd find love in the second act of their lives. Currently, 65% of her clients are in long-term relationships, a testament to her expertise and unique methods.

Often referred to as the OG or “Godmother” of modern dating, Andrea’s impact extends beyond her clients. Like an NFL coaching tree, more than 40% of today’s top 25 matchmakers trace their roots back to Andrea’s mentorship and pioneering techniques. Her influence has shaped the industry, creating a legacy that stands out in the world of matchmaking.
Andrea’s work has garnered extensive media attention. She has been featured on Oprah, People, Today Show, and named Entrepreneur of the Month on the Early Show. As a sought-after speaker, she has addressed audiences at the American Marketing Association and other prestigious events. Her insights and passion have made her a trusted voice in the realm of love and relationships.
With over three decades of experience, Andrea doesn’t just write about dating; she’s lived it. Her latest book, 2nd Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating Over 50, combines personal anecdotes and professional expertise to guide singles on finding meaningful connections later in life. Andrea’s vibrant, no-nonsense approach continues to inspire and empower those ready to embrace their second act with optimism and love.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Resilence
Optimism, never giving up—I was an athlete and raised that way
Happiness and knowing I’m helping others

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is between the ages of 45-69—-either divorced, widowed, or single. Not good at tech and online scares them!!! 2nd Acts—none imagined after walking down the aisle at age 25 they’d be dating again….ever! Educated, looking for their 2nd love, optimistic —I teach them how to deal with rejection too and how to keep your spirits up

Contact Info:

• Website: https://33000dates.com
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/2nd-Acts-No-Nonsense-Step-Step/dp/B0DN7ZN5PH