In an era where dating apps dominate the romantic landscape, one San Mateo entrepreneur has taken an unconventional approach to finding love. Lisa Catalano, a 42-year-old vintage clothing business owner, has launched a unique billboard campaign along Highway 101 with a simple yet audacious goal: to find her future husband.

Catalano’s journey began after experiencing personal tragedy, losing her longtime fiancé to a terminal illness in late 2023. Frustrated with traditional dating methods, she decided to take a more direct approach by creating a public billboard campaign featuring her photo and a dedicated website, marrylisa.com.

The billboards, strategically placed across the Peninsula, invite potential suitors to apply through her website. Her requirements are specific: she seeks a marriage-oriented man between 35 and 45 years old, with at least a bachelor’s degree, who is interested in starting a family within 2-3 years.

Political alignment is crucial for Catalano, who explicitly states her preference for a partner who is “Democratic or left-leaning”. She also has clear boundaries around lifestyle choices, preferring someone who doesn’t use recreational drugs and is comfortable with occasional alcohol consumption.

Her innovative approach has garnered significant attention, with approximately 350 applications received so far. However, Catalano emphasizes the importance of potential candidates thoroughly reading her profile and requirements before applying.

“I just want to meet somebody,” Catalano told local media. “And I was just not having any luck any other way”. Her commitment to finding a genuine connection in the Bay Area reflects a broader narrative of modern dating - creative, bold, and unapologetically direct.

While billboards might seem like an extreme method, Catalano’s strategy highlights the ongoing challenges of finding meaningful romantic connections in an increasingly digital world. Her story is a testament to personal agency and the lengths one might go to find love.