Nicole Miller and JoLynn Spruance, co-founders of UT Match, are changing the landscape of matchmaking for single professionals who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their startup offers a highly personalized approach to matchmaking and dating coaching services tailored specifically for busy single professionals between the ages of 26 and 35. They are scaling their business and refining their vision while enrolled in the Master of Business Creation (MBC) program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business.
Miller and Spruance’s goal is to help singles from their first date to their wedding day, believing that marriage is a cornerstone for building strong families. “We want to be a part of relationship-building and family-building,” Miller said. Both co-founders are deeply committed to helping others find love and build relationships that lead to marriage. They believe that marriage is far more than a contract; it’s a sacred covenant that serves as a foundation for lifelong happiness.
The idea for UT Match was born out of Miller and Spruance’s long history and passion for matchmaking. Miller, from Ogden, Utah, began matchmaking at the age of 16, when she played matchmaker for her high school AP history teacher and another beloved teacher. While the first date ended with the fire department showing up unexpectedly, it was a memorable event that sparked her passion for matchmaking. Spruance, originally from Paradise, Calif., was a director of the Pro Bono Initiative at the College of Law at the University of Utah, where she would match students, helping them form lasting relationships. Miller and Spruance met as undergraduates at the University of Utah, and they have been best friends ever since. Spruance introduced Miller to her husband of now 28 years, and Miller encouraged Spruance to date and to marry a great guy in her circle of friends. Both women believe in the importance of marriage and the foundation it provides for family, which led them to discuss the possibility of creating a business that could help others find their match.
UT Match offers a service unlike traditional dating apps. It’s a highly personalized, in-person matchmaking service that focuses on curated matches rather than the endless swiping typical of online dating platforms. The company offers three service levels – Silver, Gold, and Platinum – each offering tailored services for singles seeking marriage. The higher-tier memberships include a Relationship Readiness Course that equips clients with the tools they need to date with purpose and build lasting relationships. Platinum members receive the added benefit of personalized date planning, with UT Match handling all the logistics, allowing clients to focus on enjoying their dates rather than worrying about planning.
One of the most unique features of UT Match is its Dating Gift Registry. This one-of-a-kind service allows friends or family members to nominate a loved one for matchmaking services, paying for the service as a gift or anonymously. This creates a community-oriented approach where loved ones can help someone they care about find love.
Safety is also a top priority for UT Match. All members are required to undergo background checks to ensure that the people being matched are trustworthy and serious about finding meaningful relationships. This emphasis on safety is part of the company’s commitment to providing a professional and secure matchmaking experience.
Through their journey in the Master of Business Creation program at the University of Utah, the duo has gained essential business skills that have helped shape their company.
From creating business strategies and building marketing plans to understanding financial projections and practicing business negotiations, the knowledge they’ve gained through MBC has been vital in preparing them to launch UT Match. “The MBC program has been invaluable in teaching us how to run and scale our business,” Spruance said. “It’s helped us formalize our business model, and now we’re ready to bring it to life.”
Looking ahead, the future is bright for UT Match. Miller and Spruance have big plans for the company and hope to match thousands of singles while creating the largest dating pool of Church professionals in the United States. As they prepare to launch, they’re eager to help others find their match and celebrate their weddings.
To learn more about UT Match, visit utmatch.com or follow them on Instagram @utmatchmakers.
