There's a growing population of single professionals who live and work in Nassau and Suffolk counties and many of them are searching for a soul mate. But how do they find the time leading busy lives to meet someone special?

It could be as easy as a phone call to Dawn Tefel, Garden City's own matchmaker. In an age of impersonal emails, text messages and blogs, Tefel represents the tried and true method used by our parents and grandparents for bringing two people together - traditional matchmaking.

Tefel is a matchmaker for Great Date Now, an offline dating company started over five years ago, offering personalized matchmaking services to successful single professionals. She conducts matchmaking in Garden City at 585 Stewart Avenue on the inner ring of the Roosevelt Field mall. The company has offices across the tri-state area.

Tefel, a Long Island native, has been helping people find their special someone for years. As a matchmaker, she spends a lot of time getting to know everything about her clients - their personalities, character, background, interests and hobbies. "I've dedicated myself to getting to know people on an individual level because everyone I meet is very different. I take pride in listening to their concerns, desires and their passions so I can make successful matches for them," she said.

Tefel hand selects all her matches and that's why she is often referred to as their "personal shopper for the heart." No one is required to take a compatibility test, no communication is conducted online, and names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses are never revealed before a first date. The process is discreet and confidential which is the main reason why so many successful people are drawn to matchmaking instead of online dating, socialization groups and bars.

"Once I determine a potential match, I discuss the introduction with both clients, and if they agree, I arrange the date, and in some cases, choose the meeting place and make a reservation. I'll coach them and do whatever it takes to make it a good first date," she continued.

After a couple meets, Tefel continues her matchmaking work, calling to find out how the date went, down to every detail, including what the couple discussed.

"It's very important that I get a sense of whether there is chemistry since it's a major component of a successful match," she explained. "After the chemistry is established, the next step is deciding whether their personalities are compatible, and if so, the couple can choose to exchange information and see each other again."

Those who try matchmaking services are often beyond dating for the sake of dating and are looking for a serious relationship, according to Gary Ferone, founder of Great Date Now, who launched his company after a long year of searching online for his second wife.

"People who seek a matchmaker are willing to commit to their future. Why not work with an experienced professional dedicated to your best interests who can do all the ground work for you," Ferone said.

Since Tefel has lived on Long Island for a long time, she knows the area well, its culture, what people like to do and where they like to date. A romantic by nature, Tefel says her goal is to make people's dreams come true. "The key to someone's heart is very special and sacred and I feel strongly there is a perfect match for everyone. I'm here to move the process along and support them in any way I can," Tefel added.

Dawn Tefel can be reached at 516-673-0777 or dawn@greatdatenow.com. For more information about Great Date Now, visit www.greatdatenow.com.