Good-looking, successful and single. Meet 16 of the Valley’s most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes.
From left to right: Erin Richardson, Wade Donaldson, Casey Wilcox, Nilam Sheth
Erin Richardson, 29
Richardson is a woman of many talents, to say the least. She works as a successful litigation associate and has recently ramped up her time in the kitchen, taking up cooking and baking. She is also a classically trained cellist and jazz vocalist. Want to win her heart? Arrange for a private concert by one of her favorite musicians, like Tony Bennett or Harry Connick, Jr.
What do you seek in a partner? “I look for somebody who likes to laugh, who’s got a vision for where he’s going, and who rolls with the punches.”
What can you offer a potential mate? “I pay attention to the little things; I am a supportive person; and I can be funny—intentionally and (mostly) unintentionally.”
Wade Donaldson, 34
Though his day as a CPA might include conference calls with Asia and analyzing financial results, Donaldson spends his evenings taking Japanese classes, enjoying happy hour and partaking in tennis. (Friends say he can also quote “Seinfeld” like no one’s business.) He names Natalie Portman as his celebrity crush and seeks a partner who likewise has brains to go along with beauty.
What is the most romantic thing you’ve done for a partner? “Most romantic thing I’ve done is a date to the Portland Japanese Garden in Washington Park followed by an afternoon picnic in the Rose Garden. There are amazing views of the city skyline and Mt. Hood on a clear day. Both are really special places, and the surroundings are beautiful.”
What can you offer a potential mate? “I would say you won’t be bored with me. Between after-work activities and travel, I hope you can keep up! I don’t like to sit at home much. I’m also close with my family as they’re a lot of fun, too.”
Casey Wilcox, 33
With a career in the athletic field (as the director of Player & Media Relations for the Arizona Diamondbacks), it is no shock that Wilcox is in search of a woman who enjoys sports—and who is also upbeat, family-orientated and professionally driven. This high-energy guy enjoys dates that are full of adventure, from patio-hopping in Old Town and hitting the range to stopping by an outdoor festival and catching a concert.
Who was your first love? “Too hard to name just one: D.J. Tanner on “Full House,” Kelly Kapowski on “Saved by the Bell,” Debbie Gibson and Robin on “Kids Incorporated” (Jennifer Love Hewitt). I’m not going to name names, but she knows who she is.”
Do you hope to get married one day? “Absolutely. I want to get married and have a family. I have a ton of happily married friends, and it seems awesome. It’ll happen when it’s supposed to.”
Nilam Sheth, 34
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., you’ll find Sheth working at a pharmaceutical company in Scottsdale. After the work day is done, you’ll catch her doing Zumba, hot yoga or kickboxing at her local gym or maybe indulging in happy hour with friends. Apart from fun-loving and focused, Sheth is well-educated (with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Arizona), well-traveled (she’s been to Peru and Hong Kong and everywhere in between) and well-intentioned (she is pursuing to be a volunteer for Fresh Start).
What is your dream date? “A dream date would be a day on the beach—with some sun, water, fun and relaxation!”
What do you seek in a partner? “When it comes to men, I am looking for a kind, intelligent man who would be an amazing best friend and someone that I’d adore and admire. He should, of course, share the same sentiment toward me. Good looks, sophistication, an athletic build, tall in height, sense of humor, and a nice smile and eyes would certainly help.”
From left to right: Robert Carlson III, Everardo Keeme, Cynthia Sassi
Robert Carlson III, 31
In addition to free wine (you see, Carlson is the owner of Carlson Creek Vineyard in Willcox), this avid traveler and sailing enthusiast has plenty of swoon-worthy tricks up his sleeve. Once, he took a day off from work to cook a romantic meal (complete with candles, flowers and Cole Porter tunes) for a girlfriend—he even did a run-through to make sure all went smoothly.
Who is your celebrity crush? “Zooey Deschanel. I guess I just have a thing for women with their own style. Someone who is not afraid to be herself. I think she embodies that.”
What do you seek in a partner? “I am looking for a woman who is equally at ease in boots and blue jeans as she is in a dress and heels. As well as someone who can make people around her feel at ease.”
Everardo Keeme, 35
Keeme has been known to use his time and talents for the betterment of the community; American Cancer Society and Gabriel’s Angels are just a few of the nonprofits this divorced father of one volunteers his
time with. He is also the owner of Everardo Keeme Photography and is the Official Photographer for this month’s Waste Management Phoenix Open.
What can you offer a potential mate? “I am a kind-hearted, easy-going, mild-mannered old soul who is a kid at heart and enjoys simple pleasures in life. I remember my ‘pleases’ and ‘thank yous’ and am generous to show affection. I have a great, sarcastic sense of humor.”
What do you seek in a partner? “A genuine, kind-hearted, caring and active lady. She must love dogs, food and drink. A woman who can wear athletic shoes as well as heels. If she loves to bake, I love to cook, and we can worry about the dishes later.”
Cynthia Sassi, 28
In 2012, Sassi ran 10 half marathons and started this year with her first full race. She volunteers her time with the pooches at Paw Placement. And she’s not ashamed to admit that she watches “The Jersey Shore.” Though she keeps busy as the founder of www.fabulousarizona.com and business development director for www.womensforum.com, Sassi is great at making time for what she loves—including her dream man who is brimming with passion.
What is your dream date? “I really don’t think I could describe a dream date using a location or activity. Sweep me off my feet with charm, sincerity and passion, and it won’t matter where we are or what we are doing. A glass of Champagne couldn’t hurt either.”
What can you offer a potential mate? “I am an extremely giving person and have a natural instinct to take care of people and put others before myself. Although I am very driven, hardworking and focused on my career, a significant other would always be priority. I also bake a killer brownie.”
From left to right: La Eidson, Chris Warmbold, Tess Dumlao, Ben Bethel
Chris Warmbold, 43
Making healthy choices isn’t just a part of Warmbold’s personal life; it’s his job as the sales director at the Village at DC Ranch Health Club and Spa. On any given day, Warmbold can be found golfing, practicing yoga and walking his beloved pup, Riley. (He knows when to indulge, too, as you can also see him grabbing a slice at La Grande Orange.) He seeks a partner he might one day be able to whisk away for a golfing getaway in Dubai.
Who was your first love? “Michelle Coleman from summer camp in North Carolina when I was 16.”
What do you seek in a partner? “Chemistry, athletic, nice, friendly, trusting, loves life, supportive.”
La Eidson, 27
Does Eidson look familiar? No? Well, she will certainly sound familiar. Eidson is better known as Lady La, the on-air personality for 101.5 JAMZ in the morning. Her weekdays may start bright and early—at 4 a.m.—but the DJ still finds time to hit the gym (she is prepping for a competitive bikini competition), read and travel the world. Though she is a successful, independent woman, Eidson is looking for a man she can dote on.
What do you seek in a partner? “Trust. I can’t laugh, relax or travel with someone I don’t trust.”
Do you hope to get married one day? “Because of how marriage is often disrespected today, I’m not sure I yearn for the marriage as much as I yearn for a true commitment to grow with someone through it all. Whatever form that comes in, I’ll take that over a title any day. Pinterest does make you want to fall in the wedding trap from time to time though!”
Tess Dumlao, 44
After more than 15 years as a broadcast journalist, Dumlao is now known around the news stations for her more recent role, as the head of her own PR agency. This active mother of two boys (and one dog) is upbeat with a big heart and speaks her mind—and wishes the same of a potential partner. She also enjoys beach getaways and cardio kickboxing. When it comes to winning her heart, actions speak louder than words.
What is the most romantic thing you’ve done for a partner? “A scavenger hunt of his favorite things.”
What do you seek in a partner? “He’s a positive person, happy with himself, is fun to be with and enjoys making others smile. A great sense of humor trumps dashing good looks any day. He’s a man of integrity at work and at home, mentally sharp and unshaken with a kind, compassionate heart. Someone for whom I would be proud to be his cheerleader both on and off the field.”
Ben Bethel, 41
In addition to his responsibilities as the owner of The Clarendon Hotel in Phoenix, Bethel is busily working with the Travel Channel on a new hotel series and collaborating with the mayor’s office on a citywide music, media and arts festival. Even with his schedule, Bethel loves to cook and has whisked a lover away on last-minute jaunts around the world.
Who is your celebrity crush? “Guillermo Diaz, for sure. I’ve even had friends (and myself, I have to confess) contact his publicist, but no date.”
Do you hope to get married? “Yes, definitely! Not just get married, that’s not the goal, but to actually meet someone I want to spend the rest of my life with and who also feels the same about me.”
From left to right: Lina Quintero, Jesse Olmedo, Patricia Garrity, Denny Teufel, Lindsey VandenBosch
Lina Quintero, 30
This interior designer and owner of Design Chick likes a manicure as much as the next gal—but she is also down with tacos and beer. And even with Quintero’s hectic schedule (she does split her time between the Valley and New York City, after all), she still makes time for working out, reading, going to the movies and exploring other cultures.
What do you seek in a partner? “I don’t need a man to offer me the moon and the stars. Simply, I’m looking for an equal partner who, like me, is independent and self-sufficient. I’ve always wanted to be a part of a power couple!”
Who is your celebrity crush? “Currently, I have two celebrity crushes. The first is Jon Hamm. He seems like a man’s man yet soft enough for a woman. My second celebrity crush is on Jason Sudeikis. There’s nothing sexier than a funny, confident guy.”
Jesse Olmedo, 37
Though this Valley dermatologist loves to jet to far-off places like Bali and Malaysia, Olmedo is just as happy leisurely sipping wines throughout Napa or enjoying some r-n-r in Santa Fe. You’ll also find this foodie
sampling local ethnic restaurants any night of the week—from pho to tandoori. Olmedo’s spare-time pursuits include hiking, scuba diving, snowboarding, cooking, billiards, chess and gardening.
What is your dream date? “My dream date would entail a trip to San Francisco for a helicopter ride over the city followed by cooking lessons at the Mandarin Oriental then a romantic stroll along the pier.”
Do you hope to get married one day? “Absolutely. I have been blessed with an amazing life, and I want to share that with someone special. I want ‘remember when’ to mean something. I’ll touch many more hearts and minds with my wife by my side.”
Patricia Garrity
In the business of selling real estate, every day is different, a new adventure. That might be one reason why Garrity chose that as her line of work: she likes the spontaneity. (Optimism, loyalty and honesty are some of her other top traits.) She names George Clooney as her celebrity crush and would love to be swept away to Paris for a day of fun and a quiet dinner.
What do you seek in a partner? “Someone who is fun, thoughtful of myself and others, loyal and honest.”
Who was your first love? “His name was Mark, and we met on a swim team when we were in grade school.”
Denny Teufel, 65
After years of hard work and raising his lovely family (he is also a doting grandpa), Teufel savors having the time to enjoy golf and tennis, adventure travel and quiet nights at home reading. He recalls having a fire on the beach, followed by a night swim and drifting to sleep under the stars as one of his most romantic dates and would love to jet a partner to San Francisco for dinner and a play.
Who was your first love? “First puppy love was in junior high, and we’re still in touch. Now, hoping to find the ‘last’ love of my life!”
What can you offer a potential mate? “I’m monogamous and dedicated to the one I love unconditionally. I’m giving to a fault, respectful, a gentleman, reliable, healthy, fun and have a financially secure lifestyle. If it’s who gets the last scoop of Häagen-Dazs, it would be you.”
Lindsey VandenBosch, 33
Though family comes first for this stay-at-home mom of three, VandenBosch also tries to make her dent in the world via philanthropic work. Just as she instills in her children, VandenBosch lives each day to the fullest (some of her favorite pastimes are tennis, hot yoga and cooking) and desires a partner who shares her same zest for life—and its precious little moments.
Who was your first love? “My kindergarten teacher, Mr. Michaelson. I loved him! He always gave the best compliments, had the best smile. My second first love was a black patent leather pair of Mary Janes. My love affair with shoes will never end. Just ask my girlfriends!”
Do you hope to get married? “Definitely! I loved being a part of a couple and look forward to having a full and loving family again.”
