Jan 15, 2007 – When she is not at her 7th & Callowhill Street office, you can find her on the beach in Brigantine, in the front row at the Arden, the Adrienne or Walnut Street theatre, or on the corner stool of her most frequented hot spot, Bridgit Foys, at 2nd and South. Terry Graboyes is a lifelong Philadelphian, and it is her love for the city that influences everything she does.

Although probably best known as the founder, president and CEO of Graboyes Commercial Window Company, Terry has made her mark in several other arenas throughout her career. After graduating from West Chester University, she began a political career in Harrisburg as Legislative Liaison for Welfare Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth during the first Administration of Governor Milton Shapp. Terry continued in the political spectrum as Director of Governmental Affairs for the Pennsylvania Retailers’ Association in Harrisburg and Washington D.C.

Chapter II for Terry Graboyes began in the early 80’s, when she returned to Philadelphia and joined the family home improvement company. In 1984, six months pregnant, she founded Graboyes Commercial Window Company in the living room of her Center City townhouse. Within two years, she moved the firm to West Philadelphia in a newly renovated office complex (with new windows by Graboyes, of course). She joined the GBCA and began her second career as a union contractor.

Terry moved the company to Conshohocken when Graboyes replaced the windows at the old Lee Tire Building. During the “Rendell Renaissance”, she moved the business back into the city, bringing 65 jobs with her.

A part of Philadelphia ever since, Terry has molded Graboyes into an innovative, successful and unique business in the construction industry. Known for its’ high quality workforce, customer service and on-time performance, Graboyes continues to be a dominant part of the Philadelphia region construction industry. Terry is most proud of her employees, 85 percent of whom have been with her for over 10 years, or their entire construction career. Terry attributes the success of her staff to their team approach both in the office and in the field.

In 2001, Graboyes Commercial Window Company was recognized by the GBCA with its Building Excellence Award for “Best Specialty Contractor” for the PSFS-LOWES hotel conversion.

Terry Graboyes was thrilled to be named the first woman member of the GBCA Board of Directors. Board service is one of Terry’s specialties. Her board memberships have included Society Hill Synagogue, Royal Bank of PA, the Walnut Street Theatre, 1812 Productions, the Arden Theatre, the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation.

Terry still lives in Center City and is a proud mother to her son, Noah Herman, a graduate of Muhlenburg College with a degree in Theatre. Terry truly loves the city and her industry, and whether it’s in a hard hat, or a Phillies cap, she is continuing to make her mark all over Philadelphia.

Chapter III for Terry Graboyes…? We will have to wait and see. As the next generation moves up within her organization, Terry intends to spend more time on her fundraising efforts for political and theatre initiatives.