Meet 21 of the Valley’s most successful, sexiest singles.
From left to right: Vince Kozar, Kat Hurd, Stephanie Lough, Jill Galus, Roland Schoeman
Vince Kozar, 30
On top of his dresser, Kozar, the director of communications and creative strategies for the Phoenix Mercury, has a glass vase filled with tickets to events, outings and travels that he has accumulated over the past 15 years. To share in these experiences, Kozar, who is gay, would like to settle down with someone who is honest, romantic, secure in himself and his career and values family.
AFM: What can you offer a potential mate?
VK: A best friend and everything that comes along with it—loyalty, a confidante, someone to laugh with, cry with and vent to. I like to think I have a good sense of humor and a willingness to try new things and see new places.
AFM: Do you hope to get married one day?
VK: That’s a great question, and I don’t know the answer. I’d like to start with finding someone who is worth spending the rest of my life with and who wants the same thing. If that’s meant to be, then however it looks and whatever it’s called will work itself out.
Kat Hurd, 29
When she is not working with patients (she sells spinal cord stimulators, a device that helps manage chronic pain), Hurd—who you might recognize from the current season of “The Bachelor”—teaches barre fitness classes at Karve Studio in Old Town and takes dance classes as often as possible. Though the ability to cut a rug isn’t a must for a potential mate, intelligence, the ability to be spontaneous and a great sense of humor is.
AFM: Who was your first love?
KH: That would have to be my preschool soul mate, Jon. We bonded over plastic food in the play kitchen, and he proposed to me in the thank-you note from his fifth birthday party. Thankfully, my mom saved that one.
AFM: What can you offer a potential mate?
KH: I'm fiercely loyal and very independent, so I definitely bring a lot to the table. I have had a lot of very unique experiences and love to be adventurous and live life to the fullest, so there's definitely never a dull moment with me.
Stephanie Lough, 26
Though Lough considers herself a workaholic during the week (she is a publicist by day and a freelance writer come nighttime), she still knows how to have fun, whether that is riding her beach cruiser, taking her pups to the dog park or savoring happy hour in Old Town. Her idea of the perfect date is pub trivia, as she says it is a great way to get to know someone and suits her personality, which is fun and easygoing.
AFM: What do you seek in a partner?
SL: I’m looking for someone that can be my partner in crime. Someone that I can have fun with no matter the situation. Intelligence and a sharp sense of humor are important. I can be really sarcastic and need someone that can appreciate dry humor. As far as looks are concerned, it’s not that I don’t like short guys, I just love wearing tall shoes more!
AFM: Who was your first love?
SL: Justin Timberlake. I’ve been a fan of his for longer than I have known most of my exes. As far as real relationships, I’ve been in love before, but no one worth mentioning here. I am looking forward to what (who’s) next!
Jill Galus, 26
While the rest of the Valley is in dreamland, Galus’ alarm goes off at 1:45 a.m. so she can get to work as a reporter/anchor for “Good Morning Arizona.” When she is not reporting on breaking news stories, Galus is pursuing her love of shopping and adventure (in the form of hiking, kayaking, skiing and more). This career-driven woman is attracted to a man who is just as ambitious, as well as trust-worthy, honest and passionate.
AFM: What is the most romantic thing you’ve done for a partner?
JG: The most romantic thing I've ever done for a man is written a love letter without holding back a single thought or feeling. I am so old-fashioned and adore hand-written words more than anything. But instead of just writing a letter, I actually read it aloud to him while lying face to face. I will never forget that moment.
AFM: Who was your first love?
JG: I never kiss and tell.
Roland Schoeman, 33
Red wine, great conversation and butterflies in his stomach is this Olympic swimmer’s recipe for the perfect date—preferably with a woman who is intelligent, a good communicator and beautiful inside and out. (He is also a motivational speaker and Advocare Advisor.) After he spends a chunk of his day training—which can include swimming, yoga and stretching, for instance—and handling administrative tasks for work, Schoeman likes to dabble in sports photography.
AFM: Who was your first love?
RS: I actually started swimming to impress a girl when I was 15. It was puppy love, but she would by all accounts be my first love. We dated for three or so months, but I may never have gotten into swimming if it hadn't been for her.
AFM: What can you offer a potential mate?
RS: I think the best relationships all contain the same elements: love, understanding, support, motivation, friendship and communication. The relationships that stand the test of time aren't easy; they require hard work, time and dedication. No relationship is perfect but in the right relationship I am willing and determined to give all of these things. Oh, and good back massages.
From left to right: Dr. Anthony Admire, M.D., Toniann Rotante, Nicholas U’Ren, Bryan Fitch
Anthony Admire, M.D., 42
Admire, of Scottsdale-based Admire Plastic Surgery, can be found jetting the globe nearly as often as he can be seen in the operating room. Recently, the successful plastic surgeon has traveled to New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Spain, Italy, France (twice), Cayman Islands and Dominican Republic. He also competes in triathlons year-round, can be found golfing on most Fridays (he is in office Monday through Thursday) and seeks a great conversationalist who will appreciate his weird sense of humor.
AFM: Do you hope to get married one day?
AA: If my family is reading this, then yes! Otherwise, the George Clooney lifestyle seems pretty good, too.
AFM: What is the most romantic thing you’ve done for a partner?
AA: I attempted to make shrimp paella. I’m a horrible cook, so needless to say, it didn’t go very well.
Toniann Rotante, 35
Rotante is an engineer, fitness model and host; though that doesn’t leave much time to spare (even squeezing in workouts on her lunch hour), she likes to spend free moments hiking or traveling back east to spend time with family. In a significant other, she would like a true partner with whom she shares the same core values and morals and who will inspire, encourage and motivate her.
AFM: What can you offer a potential mate?
TR: I think a better question would be what can I not offer a potential mate and the answer would be nothing.
AFM: Who was your first love?
TR: My first love is my dad, and it’s still going strong.
Nicholas U'Ren, 26
Working for the Phoenix Suns (as the Director of Video, Basketball Operations), U’Ren has a chock-full schedule during the season, between games and travel. So when it comes to dates, he likes to keep things simple and understated. He enjoys going out on spontaneous, late dinners (most likely somewhere Italian has he cites Giada de Laurentiis as his celebrity crush) and is attracted to a woman who is ambitious, sincere and has a generous spirit.
AFM: Do you hope to get married one day?
NU: Absolutely. However, I'm not in a hurry, and I'm willing to be patient. I look forward to eventually getting married and spending time together before starting a family.
AFM: Who was your first love?
NU: Kimberly Anne. She was the most popular and attractive senior while I was a sophomore in high school.
Bryan Fitch, 34
Fitch, the lead UI/UX designer at Tempe’s Mindspace, considers himself a romantic old soul who likes the treat the little things in life as important as the grand things. In his spare time, he enjoys drawing, finding new music, visiting with friends and cooking. Though he would like to get married one day, it isn’t a must.
AFM: What is your dream date?
BF: I struggle with this idea because it’s too abstract to consider without a mate. With that in mind, maybe I was born in the wrong era, but a nice slow dance would be pretty fantastic.
AFM: What do you seek in a partner?
BF: I look for a best friend, who not only finds beauty and respect in herself, but treats her mate with just as much respect.
From left to right: Alana Millstein, Max Hansen, Joe Morales, Arie Luyendyk Jr., Maureen O’Brien
Alana Millstein, 29
Though good looks and chiseled features would a bonus, what Millstein seeks most in a partner is a sense of humor, ambition, intelligence, humbleness and an outgoing personality. When not working as the co-owner of Envida Group, Millstein likes to toss on some boots and take in a country concert, sip cocktails with friends and train for her pilot’s license.
AFM: What is the most romantic thing you’ve done for a partner?
AM: Surprised him with a couples massage on the beach.
AFM: What can you offer a potential mate?
AM: Not just a partner but best friend. I’m fiercely loyal and will be your No.1 supporter.
Max Hansen, 38
This doting single dad is the CEO of Y Scouts Inc. and Job Brokers, Inc.; he has been his own boss since he was 26. Hansen’s dream date would involve the beach, a spicy Bloody Mary and watching the Seattle Seahawks win their first Super Bowl, so it is no surprise that this avid golfer seeks a partner who is athletic, cares about fitness and is just as comfortable in flip flops as she is in heels.
AFM: What can you offer a potential mate?
MH: I believe I offer a fulfilling and adventurous time with lots of laughs, both with me and at me. I’m a dedicated father, and if they’re really lucky, they may get to meet the best part about me—my son!
AFM: Who was your first love?
MH: That’s easy—my mom. What’s there not to love?
Joe Morales, 35
Morales’ professional life as the chief marketing officer and luxury real estate advisor for Mike Domer Group is all about being creative and driven while his down time is about connecting with his son, family and friends (with music, movies, travel, photography and hiking mixed in). He is seeking a mate who can teach and inspire him; but, above all, sincerity, passion and kindness are the keys to his heart.
AFM: Do you hope to get married one day?
JM: I’m looking for a serious relationship and, eventually, marriage, but I'm not looking to jump into anything without getting to know someone first. Most of all, I’m looking for deep connection and chemistry.
AFM: Who is your celebrity crush?
JM: Sofia Vergara.
Arie Luyendyk Jr., 32
Though this professional racing driver enjoyed extravagant dates on Season 8 of “The Bachelor,” Luyendyk believes the simplest date could be the most perfect one—as long as it is spent with the right person. Luyendyk finds chemistry as the most important trait in a woman and believes that romance is made from small, unexpected gestures, rather than grand displays. In his free time, you’ll catch the Scottsdale resident karting at the local course, hiking, taking his dog, Bastian, to the park and dining out at Postino or any of the Fox Restaurant Concepts.
AFM: Do you hope to get married one day?
AL: Of course! I just hope she's out there. I've had a few close calls and sometimes I wonder if I let love slip away.
AFM: What can you offer a potential mate?
AL: A lot of laughs, adventure and good coffee. What else do you need?
Maureen O’Brien, 32
O’Brien is mighty passionate about music; she is the development director at the Musical Instrument Museum, a practicing musician (flute, piano and voice) and the co-founder of Classical Revolution PHX. O’Brien also considers herself a foodie (with a knack for throwing dinner parties), is obsessed with tango dancing after a trip to Argentina (she would love to date a great dancer) and kind, giving and loyal.
AFM: What is your dream date?
MO: Local; cocktail at Last Drop Bar followed by live music and salsa dancing. Dream world: Sailing around the Scottish isles and visiting single-malt distilleries.
AFM: Do you hope to get married one day?
MO: I would like to marry again. I approach life’s challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and my hope is that the insights I gain from each of my relationships prepare me to be a better partner.
From left to right: Dr. Lisa Bienstock, David Neishabori, Michelle Rykalsky, George Carr, Kristy Siefkin
Dr. Lisa Bienstock, 34
Bienstock spends her days (into her evenings) as a pediatric dentist and partner at Desert Ridge Pediatric Dentistry, a career that she adores. Though her job keeps her busy, she still has time to indulge in her favorite past times like yoga, dining out with friends and painting, a newfound hobby. She describes herself as independent and strong, yet funny and feminine, and wants a man who isn’t threatened by a motivated woman.
AFM: Who is your celebrity crush?
LB: Growing up I was in love with Fred Savage from “The Wonder Years.” I always pretended to be Winnie Cooper. Oops, did I just age myself?
AFM: What is your dream date?
LB: My dream date would be racing cars at Bondurant and then out for a great dinner as the sun sets with, of course, the right person. It shouldn't really matter where we go or what we do; it is the person who I am doing those activities with is what matters.
David Neishabori, 52
Neishabori has found success as the owner of AZADI Fine Rugs and, outside of his career, believes it is just as important to be present with his loved ones, as well. He enjoy connecting with others and learning about other cultures via travel. When it comes to planning a date, romance is key, whether it is dinner at elements at Sanctuary Camelback Resort & Spa or heading to the Royal Palms Resort and Spa.
AFM: Who is your celebrity crush?
DN: Angelina Jolie.
AFM: What do you seek in a partner?
DN: I am drawn to someone who is active, intelligence, independent, and spiritual—meaning being genuine, present and positive.
Michelle Rykalsky, 32
An outdoor enthusiast, Rykalsky, PR and marketing manager for W Scottsdale, can often be found on an early-morning hike and says her dream date would involve the ocean. This self-proclaimed foodie would love to share time with someone who is adventurous, spontaneous, intelligent, loyal, compassionate, respectful, supportive and has a sense of humor—and he must love dogs.
AFM: Do you hope to get married one day?
MR: Definitely. I would like to get married one day, but I want more than just a piece of paper. I want someone who will stand by my side through the good times and bad.
AFM: Who was your first love?
MR: My first love was a boy in high school. He was a year older than me, and he used to write me notes and walk me to class. When he was able to drive, he would leave flowers or little gifts for me in my mailbox. My parents probably thought we were the silliest teenagers. Then, he decided to go to Michigan State for college, and I had to dump him immediately because I’m a Michigan fan.
George Carr, 40
On a day off, you might catch this Valley dentist waking up with Bloomberg and cinnamon oatmeal before a hike and ending the day with a steak at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. His fun personality—no drama here—makes him a great catch for the woman of his dreams, who is happy and innately kind (a tan and long legs wouldn’t hurt, either).
AFM: What is your dream date?
GC: This question reminds me of looking for a unicorn. It is a bit mythical, yet totally worth looking for. At any rate, steak, pie, and ice cream would definitely be in the mix. This coupled with an amazing woman, an active environment, and fun conversations would easily lead to a spontaneous trip to Vegas or Cabo. Unlike the unicorn, this is actually in the realm of possibilities.
AFM: What is the most romantic thing you’ve done for a partner?
GC: That is top-secret info.
Kristy Siefkin, 32
As the weather anchor and reporter for Fox 10 News, Siefkin couldn’t turn off the “journalist” switch when asked what she could offer a potential mate. Instead, this travel enthusiast asked this of a few close friends. Here is what they had to say: "She's whip smart. I've known her for 17 years and still ask her, ‘How do you know that?!’" "Kristy is one of the sweetest, most compassionate people I know.” “She's super quick, fun-loving and totally down to earth."
AFM: Who was your first love?
KS: The boy who sat to the right of me in our kindergarten circle. I don't even remember his name, but I know I always made sure to reserve the spot next to him during story time.
AFM: Who is your celebrity crush?
KS: Hugh Jackman.
Follow Kristy FOX 10 on Twitter
From left to right: Kim Gartner, Rosemarie Dombrowski
Kim Gartner, 47
Though a sweet smile and dreamy eyes would be nice, Gartner, director of corporate events for GoDaddy, desires a man with integrity, intelligence and a sense of humor most of all. Gartner enjoys traveling, hiking, running, walking her dog, watching football games, running half- and full-marathons and working out. Plus, she’s a great cook with a kind heart, hard-working Midwestern values and a fun, close-knit family who strives to make the little things count each and every day.
AFM: What is the most romantic thing you’ve done for a partner?
KG: I planned a surprise weekend in Sedona.
AFM: Who is your celebrity crush?
KG: I have a few. George Clooney and Jason Sudeikis or Will Ferrell because there is nothing sexier than a guy with a great sense of humor.
Dr. Rosemarie Dombrowski, 39
As a lecturer of English at Arizona State University, every fall and spring you’ll find Dombrowski sermonizing on the Downtown Phoenix-based campus about everything from American poetry to post modernism. Much of her free time is also devoted to the literary arts, as she runs a poetry series, reads her works throughout the Valley and is an editor for the local literary journal, Four Chambers. She also counts spin classes, wine bars and trips to Coronado Island with her son Brendan among her off-work interests.
AFM: What do you seek in a partner?
RD: He needs to be cerebral and gregarious, preferably with a dash of sarcasm. He has to own a few tailored suits, be willing to attend the symphony and the opera, and have a penchant for art and literature.
AFM: What is your dream date?
RD: At the moment, I’d have to say an afternoon at the Louvre followed by an evening at a café on the Left Bank.
Want to mingle with our singles?
On February 19 we invite you to mix it up with the Most Eligible Phoenicians at The Mix Up Bar inside Royal Palms, Arcadia’s hottest new lounge and official date spot of our 2014 Most Eligible's.
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by February 18 to secure your spot at the saucy soiree.
