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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Grady's Feet Essentials Continues Family Legacy With New Owners

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 after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday morning.

(from left to right) Kelli Grady, Tony Grady, Mark Walsh and Theresa Thibadeau performing the ceremonial transfer of the key to the building. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The business remains with the Grady family, as Thibadeau is Tony’s cousin and Walsh is her husband. Thibadeau has worked at the store for the past 13 years, serving as manager for the last four.

“(I'm) definitely nervous but it's an excited nervous,” explained Thibadeau. “Tony has set me up for success and I'm looking forward to being able to prove that to him and to everyone else that this is going to be an amazing place to be whether you're working here or shopping here.”

“When my dad started this business in 1984, we could never have imagined the journey ahead,” said Tony. “Kelli and I are proud of what our family, staff and community helped build, and we could not be happier that Theresa and Mark are leading its next chapter. Theresa knows this business, our customers and what makes the Grady's experience special.”

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 his wife, 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.

“Owning my own store has been a dream for a long time, and a lifetime of experience has brought me to this moment,” said Theresa. “Back in high school, I took an entrepreneurial class and I realized this could be kind of fun, exciting and very achievable. So when it started to talk about possibly having a succession plan, it was the first thing I was like, 'maybe this is for us.’”

Mark has 20 years of automotive-industry experience and a first-hand appreciation for Birkenstock repairs and Blundstone care services. He plans to help expand the store's safety-footwear selection and is training.

@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

Kelli and Tony’s final act as owners was a charitable contribution made through the business: a $5,000 donation to the Rotary Accessible Playground Project at Riverview Park & Zoo. They also made a personal contribution through the project's Buy a Brick campaign.

The Peterborough + Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and a representative of Peterborough-Kawartha MP Emma Harrison gave certificates in recognition of the Grady family’s contributions and milestones during the event.

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Grady's Feet Essentials to Change Hands But Keeps Business In the Family

With over 40 years in Peterborough, Tony and Kelli Grady of Grady’s Feet Essentials are passing the business on to family, Theresa Thibadeau and Mark Walsh, effective Sept. 1 next year.

(From left to right) Tony Grady, Kelli Grady, Theresa Thibadeau and Mark Walsh. Photo courtesy of Grady’s Feet Essentials.

The announcement was made on the business's Facebook page in a post. Thibadeau is Tony’s cousin, with Walsh as her husband. Thibadeau has been working at the store for the past 12 years, serving as manager in the last three.

“Theresa brings exceptional customer service skills and strong accounting experience,” explained Kelli. “She knows what makes Grady's special and is passionate about carrying that forward as she takes over ownership along with her husband Mark.”

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 yeas later, Tony started helping after school each day. He purchased the store with his wife, Kelli, in 1997 and was rebranded 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 Street in Peterborough which is their current location. Until the pandemic hit, they were restoring the building and using it for storage and office space. The pandemic forced them to think creatively, establishing a curbside pickup location and a satellite store at King Street. By February 2022, Grady’s Feet Essentials had officially relocated from Lansdowne Place to their newly renovated King Street location.

With next year being Tony’s 40th year involved in the business, it marked a great way to cap off a career, according to Kelli.

“That felt like the right milestone to pass the torch and explore new adventures,” she explained. “With our daughters pursuing careers outside the footwear world, we looked for someone who could carry on the Grady's legacy - and we're thrilled to have found that with Theresa and Mark.”

Tony and Kelli are remaining in the community as they are both members of the Rotary Club of Peterborough. Kelli serves as the director of membership and club service while Tony was appointed the new president in July. There are no concrete plans on what the couple plans to do after Grady’s Feet but are ready to take on what life brings them.

“We're keeping ourselves open to new possibilities - it will be fun to try new things and see where our interests and skills take us next,” said Kelli.

During the final year under the Grady’s, they are helping Thibadeau and Walsh with the transition of ownership, who will take over in September of next year.

“We are deeply grateful to the Peterborough community for supporting our store over the years,” said Kelli. “Grady's Feet Essentials has always been more than just a store - it's been about the relationships, conversations and trust we've built with our customers. As we step into a new chapter, we're excited to see the Grady's tradition continue with Theresa and Mark. This isn't goodbye - you'll still see us around the community and cheering on Grady's.”

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Hometown PTBO: Kelli & Tony Grady of Grady's Feet Essentials Celebrating 40 Years of Business and Their Induction Into JA-NEO's Business Hall of Fame

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Kelli and Tony Grady of Grady's Feet Essentials about celebrating 40 years of business, being inducted into JA-NEO's Business Hall of Fame and their roles with the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

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Peterborough's Feet Stays Comfy As Grady’s Feet Essentials Celebrates 40 Years In Business

It was a huge milestone for Grady’s Feet Essentials as they celebrated their 40th anniversary in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their King Street store on Thursday morning.

Tony (left) and Kelli (second from left) cutting the ribbon as tony’s father Ken Grady Sr. (second from right) and employee Theresa (right) help in the ceremony. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“When we think of all the things we survived to get here, all the ups and downs, the drops in the economy and the pandemic, it's just so exciting to have reached this milestone,” said Kelli Grady of Grady’s Feet Essentials.

The municipal, provincial, and federal governments acknowledged the business’s milestone. Mayor Jeff Leal and representatives from MP Michelle Ferreri and MPP Dave Smith were present to congratulate the Gradys and present them with certificates of recognition.

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.

In 1986, Ken’s son Tony Grady started helping after school each day. He purchased the store with his wife, Kelli, in 1997 and was rebranded 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.

Kelli (left), Luna (front) and Tony (right) together in thie business. Luna is one of the store’s highlights and always hard at work with the Grady’s. Both Kelli and Tony are active members of the Rotary Club of Peterborough, each having been recognized as Rotarian of the Year. The store sponsors several local organizations, including the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival, Community Care, 4th Line Theatre and New Stages Theatre. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

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

“Now that we're in this beautiful building which to me is going to be our legacy,” explained Tony. “This building will stand many, many more years and we're quite proud of what we've done here.”

“We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the support of our loyal customers. We are always looking for ways to serve them better and to anticipate their needs,” said Kelli. “We have three or four generations of some families shopping with us, and we’re deeply grateful that they trust us with their footwear needs and recommend us to their family and friends.”

The store carries premium-brand footwear, including Birkenstock sandals and Blundstone boots. It also utilizes state-of-the-art technology, such as a 3D foot scanner, to ensure customers find their perfect fit.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Grady's Feet Essentials, The Peterborough Petes, The Promoter Book & More!

PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Grady’s Feet Essentials recently opened a second location at 231 King Street, at the corner of King & Aylmer. That is in addition to the Lansdowne Place store. The downtown location has Blundstone boots, Birkenstocks, shoe care products & a Birk/Blundstone repair shop. They are open Monday to Friday 9-5. They have also added free delivery within 30 minutes of Peterborough. Check it all out at feetessentials.com.

The Peterborough Petes, coming off the success of their Halloween care package deliveries, are planning an even bigger effort called Very Merry Christmas. The Petes organization will be expanding their route, and delivering over 3000 Christmas packages to Peterborough residents. If your business would like to get involved as a sponsor, get in touch today at gopetesgo.com.

The Promoter is out… the new book chronicles the life of local promoter Brian Edwards. Co-written by local author Ed Arnold, the book tells the stories, from being the youngest person ever to be granted a booking agency license in North America, to travelling the Country with Canadian entertainment icons like “Stompin” Tom Connors, Tommy Hunter, Frank Mills, Carole Baker, Red Green and many more. The Promoter is available at brianthepromoter.com or by calling 1-800-465-7829.

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