The Panther Newspaper: Q&A with Justin Bird from “The Millionaire Matchmaker”
Justin Bird, ’11 MBA business entrepreneurship alumnus, was featured on the seventh season of “The Millionaire Matchmaker.”
Photo courtesy Justin Bird.
Justin Bird had no idea he would be working on a reality dating TV show after graduation.
But Bird, a '11 Chapman MBA business entrepreneurship alumnus, works on “The Millionaire Matchmaker,” a show on Bravo that helps wealthy singles find their perfect match. He works as host Patti Stanger’s assistant, who often refers to him as “eye candy.”
The Millionaire Matchmaker began its eighth season Dec. 7. Bird was featured on the seventh season, which ran from Dec. 5, 2013 to April 20.
The Panther got to speak to Bird via email to find out more about his experience on “The Millionaire Matchmaker” and his views on love.
Q: What were you doing before you were hired at the Millionaire’s Club (Stranger’s Hollywood matchmaking service)?
A: I was working in sales and marketing for the family business, Executive Moving Systems, in Anaheim. That wasn’t nearly as exciting as what I’m doing now. It was clearly a 180-degree career change.
Q: How did you find out about the open position as a matchmaker and Stanger’s assistant?
A: A friend of mine is a matchmaker here in Newport Coast and she heard that Patti was looking to fill a spot on “The Millionaire Matchmaker.” They reached out to me and Patti hired me right on the spot when I met with her.
Q: Why did you want to apply for the position?
A: I knew it was a great opportunity to use my people skills and business acumen together to help others find love. You could say it was an unrealized talent that I tapped into.
Q: Why did you think you would be a good candidate for the job?
A: I’m able to connect with people on a certain level and understanding — a little dating psychology doesn’t hurt either. The experience I brought to (the show) was essentially the male perspective on modern dating, which I had plenty of both good and bad. Being discerning is also a mentionable trait because there are many folks out there pretending to be someone they’re not, typically with ulterior motives.
Q: How would you describe your role on “The Millionaire Matchmaker”?
A: On the show, I was deemed as the “guy’s guy.” I recruited many potential matches for our clients, as well as set up mixers for (them to meet). I would also seek out potential clients, bring them in and pitch them to Patti to see if she would accept them into her club.
Q: What did you think about being featured on “The Millionaire Matchmaker”?
A: It was an amazing experience that I’m so thankful for and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. We had fun about 90 percent of the time: lots of laughing, getting screamed at (which was interesting) and I have continued to meet a lot of good friends.
Q: Was your experience what you expected it to be?
A: This opportunity opened me up more than I could imagine, and it opened many doors for me in life. Having cameras in front of you can make things incredibly awkward, which took some getting used to, but eventually the nerves wear off. The camaraderie and behind-the-scenes footage that doesn’t make it (onto the show) were always my favorite parts, but I can’t discuss that unfortunately. I’d be exiled to Siberia if I spilled some of those beans.
Q: Why are you not featured on the eighth season of “The Millionaire Matchmaker”?
A: I was discussing the new season and the network saw me as a business opportunity while the production company thought of me as a character. The way I was asked to be portrayed was not ideal for my future career. Although I was appreciative, I felt like I was not going to be myself. Although I understand the business and television, I have accomplished a lot to be (casted as) someone with very little relationship judgment and more of “eye candy.” It was hard playing all looks no brain.
Q: What is your personal philosophy about love?
A: I try to keep it as simple as possible. You need to be focused on bettering yourself as a person and you’ll attract someone suitable. It doesn’t work when you go out looking and try to please everyone else. You’d be surprised what comes to you when you least expect it.
Q: Did you ever set any friends up while you were attending Chapman University?
A: I set up one of my best friends through mutual girlfriends of mine while in Las Vegas and they ended up becoming exclusive and dated for a good while. Maybe subconsciously I (matched people together) at some of the bars and restaurants in the Circle, but my nose was buried in the books so I didn’t have much time to play Cupid.
Q: Do you have any favorite spots around Chapman that you would take a date?
A: All the coffee shops for a first casual meeting — that might not necessarily be a date. Haven (Gastropub) for drinks and Citrus City Grille for dinner.
Q: What are some dating tips that you would like to share with our readers?
A: Keep it casual and laid back on the first few dates. You don’t want to seem like you’re interrogating someone. Hit them with a question or two they’ve never heard before that is sensible, logical or just plain funny. They won’t forget you and it makes you stand out.
Photo courtesy Pixabay.
