A Look Back at a 40-Year Legacy Left By Former Grady's Feet Essentials Owners

As a new chapter of Grady’s Feet Essentials begins, former owners Kelli and Tony Grady reflect on a 40-year legacy they left behind after transferring the business to Theresa Thibadeau and Mark Walsh on Tuesday morning.

Tony Grady (left) and Kelli Grady (right) are remaining as the landlords of the building during the new ownership. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Gradys first announced the new ownership in a Facebook post in October.

The new ownership was kept within the family, as Thibadeau is Tony’s cousin. Thibadeau worked at the store for the past 13 years, serving as manager for the last four.

“Theresa brings exceptional customer service skills and strong accounting experience,” said Kelli. “She knows what makes Grady's special and is passionate about carrying that forward.”

(from left to right) Kelli Grady, Theresa Thibadeau, Mark Walsh and Tony Grady doing the ribbon-cutting to mark the new era of new owners after 40 years. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

In 1984, Ken Grady Sr. founded Grady’s Orthopedic Service from his home, crafting custom orthotics for local customers. He opened the first Grady’s Shoes storefront in downtown Peterborough a year later.

Two years later, Tony started helping after school each day. He purchased the store with Kelli in 1997 and rebranded it as Grady’s Feet Essentials. They opened a kiosk at Lansdowne Place Mall in 2000. This led to further expansion into an entire storefront on the mall’s upper level in 2005 and a major renovation with the help of a retail designer in 2011.

In 2018, they purchased the former Angela Mark boutique building at 231 King St. in Peterborough. Until the pandemic hit, they restored the building and used it for storage and office space. The pandemic forced them to think creatively so they established a curbside pickup location and a satellite store on King Street. By February 2022, Grady’s Feet Essentials had officially relocated from Lansdowne Place to their newly renovated King Street location.

The couple are empty nesters and have plans to fill their time now that they have retired from the foot care business.

“We’re travelling to Europe for a month; we’re really looking forward to it,” said Kelli.

“When we get back, we’re still going to be active in volunteering,” explained Tony. “Giving back to the community, that’s always been a priority. We love supporting the arts; 4th Line Theatre is a big thing we love supporting and (Peterborough) Musicfest for the past couple of years. Both of us also volunteer for the Rotary Club of Peterborough, with me just finishing as president.”

@ptbo_canada A new chapter of Grady’s Feet Essentials has begun as Theresa Thibadeau and Mark Walsh officially took over the business from Kelli and Tony Grady. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #peterborough ♬ Success Inspirational - StereojamMusic

This year, Tony started another business called Silvertech Computer and Technology Support to help older generations navigate through current technology.

“I provide help for adults 50 and over with technology, whether it's your computer or phone acting up; I’m here to make technology for them simple and stress-free,” said Tony.

The Gradys reflect on the relationships they've built over the years.

“It was always about serving the customers,” said Kelli. “It’s so satisfying when they come back to our store and tell us how much we helped them.”

However, the friendships were not limited to customers; they extended to employees, both past and present.

“We even have a book club with some of our former employees,” explained Kelli.

Although they no longer own Grady’s Feet Essentials, this is not goodbye to the business or Peterborough.

“You'll still see us around the community and cheering on Grady's,” said Kelli.

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