We were lucky to catch up with Daniel Cooley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Daniel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
In the midst of my real estate endeavors, fate led me to cross paths with Anthony Canapi, the visionary behind Bestman Matchmaking. What began as a me being a matchmaking client, soon evolved into a remarkable partnership that would forever change the course of my life.
But let me rewind a bit. Prior to my foray into the world of real estate, I had already embarked on a mission close to my heart. In 2011, I played a pivotal role in the establishment of a non-profit organization aimed at dismantling the pervasive stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS. Little did I know that this humble initiative would grow into a thriving community, comprising thousands of remarkable individuals.
During my time working with the non-profit, I befriended many of the men in the group and became known as the “Devine-connector” because all the guys were mostly GBTQ and knew me in the group and trusted me. They would ask me who I knew in the group that was single, and I would say, “I think I know just the right guy for you.” So, even though it wasn’t related to my job, I became the unofficial matchmaker of the non-profit.
It was during this extraordinary chapter of my life that I shared my journey with Anthony. I regaled him with tales of the countless gay men I had come to know in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. As our conversation unfolded, it became abundantly clear that our union was destined. We recognized the potential for synergy between my extensive network and Anthony’s groundbreaking vision for Bestman Matchmaking.
And so, an exciting new chapter began. With unwavering determination, Anthony and I joined forces, united by our shared passion for bringing love and happiness into the lives of others. Together, we embarked on a mission to connect souls, to weave together the intricate tapestry of human relationships. Each successful match served as a testament to the profound impact we could have on the lives of those who yearned for companionship.
This is not a tale of mere coincidence; it is a testament to the extraordinary paths life can lead us on. From real estate agent to matchmaker, I discovered my true calling in helping others find their perfect match. Through Bestman Matchmaking, we continue to embark on an awe-inspiring journey, one that promises to change lives, shatter barriers, and sow the seeds of love in the hearts of those who seek it most.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Daniel Cooley – Celebrity Matchmaker, Love Recruiter, and COO Founding one of West Hollywood’s biggest nonprofits that advocates towards the stigma of HIV and AIDS and help Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Men start the process of PrEP, Daniel was known as the Divine Connector of the non-profit that went from a couple hundred members to thousands across the L.A. metropolitan area. Within the group, a lot of the men who he advocated for were gay singles who wanted to be introduced to other men within the group looking for love. After connecting more than hundreds of Gay Men within his nonprofit, he met Anthony through a referral, and after many successful collaborations and partnerships within their clientele, Daniel wanted in! Utilizing his talents in Non-Profit, Real Estate, Entertainment, and Massage Therapy, Daniel exceeded Anthony’s expectations and has been business partners with Anthony since; like the say in Hollywood, the rest is history!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
After experiencing the disappointment of three failed transactions in the span of just three weeks, amounting to over $8 million lost in real estate, I found myself questioning whether I was truly in the right career. However, my encounter with Anthony proved to be a pivotal moment. Suddenly, everything fell into place, and I came to the profound realization that matchmaking was not merely a career path, but rather, a deeply fulfilling passion.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Believe it or not, I stumbled into this matchmaking madness through a hilarious chain of events. So, picture this: I was on the hunt for love, right? But instead, I found my business partner, Anthony! How? Well, it’s a tale as old as time – or at least as old as the last gay matchmaker I crossed paths with. This matchmaker, bless his heart, had thrown in the towel on matchmaking but still had some serious matchmaker mojo. He insisted I connect with Anthony, claiming he could help me find my hubby through his Gay Matchmaking company, Bestman Matchmaking.
Now, initially, I was just in it for the potential husband hunt. But after chatting with Anthony, I had an epiphany – forget finding a match for me, why not become the matchmaker myself? And the rest, as they say, is history! Now, I’m not just a potential client-turned-matchmaker, but also an event-planning extraordinaire and Anthony’s trusty business partner. Who knew a quest for love could lead to such matchmaking mayhem? Life sure has a funny way of working out!”
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Bestmanmatchmaking.com
- Instagram: @matchmakerdanielcooley
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcooley86
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-cooley-2b1a158
Image Credits
John A Mendoza