Who is she? Kim Whitaker, 49, founded a national Christian
matchmaking service, Cache Connections, along with Linda Martin, 46. Both live
in Pekin. The business just launched in Rockford. Whitaker has been married to
Ed for 29 years and has two grown children, Nicklaus (married to Jamie), 26, and
Samantha, 21. Whitaker also owns a general contracting
business.
Do you belong to any clubs/groups/boards? I’m
a big sister in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program.
What
inspires you? I believe God hard-wires in each of us a destiny to
further his kingdom and gives us the abilities and passion to make it happen. My
years of business management through real estate development, sales, marketing
and new construction paved the way to launch a new business in the Internet
world. I think God put the desire in me when I was as young as 7, when I watched
“Fiddler on the Roof” and thought what an incredible responsibility that would
be to bring two lives together. I have a lot of compassion for Christian singles
who follow God’s standards and have such a difficult time meeting others like
themselves.
What is up next for you that readers should know
about? We plan to expand the company nationwide. One of our goals is to
send a message to society about building healthy relationships. We also plan to
build more partnering relationships with such Christian experts as Drs. Tom and
Beverly Rodgers and Michael and Amy Smalley, who give expert advice on our site,
cacheconnections.com. Also, check out our Single Spotlight Contest under the
events tab.
What do you do for fun? Spend time with
family and work out.
What do you like best about your job?
Knowing we’re affecting lives in one of the most important and
significant areas: relationships.
What is the most difficult part
of your job? The ups and downs of creating the business. Every
difficulty brings more awareness though and helps us refine and improve our
processes.
What is something people are surprised to learn about
you? That I’m married. People are amazed Linda and I have a heart for
singles when we both have been married so long.
What is the best
advice you have ever received? Walk before you run. We started off with
a business plan to go nationwide at the get-go and have since decided to launch
in one area at a time, beginning in Rockford, which has helped us to really get
the business model down. Now we can take it to other markets.
If
you could take two weeks off from all your responsibilities, where would you go
and what would you do? We’d sit on a beach with white, soft sand with
our computers and run the business.
What did you want to be when
you grew up? A business owner and a mom.
What is
something that distinguishes you from everyone else? Determination and
resilience. Through discouraging circumstances when others would have given up,
we build each other up through Scripture and place our faith in God that he has
our backs. Also, we’re so much more than another niche dating
site!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced?
Going to New York and giving a business presentation to Wall Street
investors.
What was your first job? Detasseling
corn.
What is your biggest pet peeve? People or
businesses that don’t follow through on promises.
What is
something you think the Rock River Valley needs? Nondenominational,
citywide, Christian singles groups.
"The Real Deal"
"For many years, we have prayed about and hoped for a service like yours, one that is willing to be overtly Christian, and one that promotes marriage within Godly, healthy parameters."
Ready to move forward and "Get Out Of The Boat?"
Finally, believers have a common connection point to find each other and take a step towards a new relationship.
Caché Connections in the News
Press Release
Cache’ Connections is an innovative business encompassing an established concept, but has a unique approach in delivering a service to the Christian single community. Unlike the competition, Cache’ Connections is owned and operated by Christians and is exclusively for Christians. This service transcends the typical dating sites as we offer hope and healing to singles through chats, forums and blogs led by Christian authors and experts, such as Drs. Tom and Beverly Rodgers.
Cache’ Connections is designed to address a nationwide crisis. This service is offered as a solution to change the current worldly trend of “anything goes” with regard to forming relationships. In a time where marriage avoidance is an ongoing dilemma and the single population is at a record high of almost 50 percent, we have recognized the need to look beyond a simple cure and also deal with the prevention aspect of this issue.
To assure a membership of like-minded believers, Cache’ Connections members are required to agree with four basic, non-denominational faith statements. Additionally, the questionnaire will help identify where each member stands in their personal faith walk. Since educating singles on healthy relationships is a core element of the service, members will be receiving relationship guidance from Drs. Rodgers as they progress through the questionnaire.
In the Fall of 2007, Cache’ Connections’ initial, personalized service was featured in the Scrooge Report: see article below. This article prompted much attention from the Christian community in the United States and from as far away as New Zealand. Since its publication, the founders have been told repeatedly what a “much needed” service Cache’ Connections provides, and are anxious to spread awareness of this new venue for Christian singles to connect with other believers.
Article From the Rockford Register Star
August 4, 2008