Matth. Toebben is a member of the board of directors of the Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions.

Toebben was born in 1931 in Lorup, Germany. One of 11 children, he grew up on his family’s 60-acre farm. At age 15, Toebben attended trade school in Borger, Germany, where he studied woodworking. As a 20-year-old, Toebben wanted to start his own business but was too young to take the master exam for certification. As a result, he decided to come to “the Land of Opportunity.”

Toebben, who spoke no English, arrived in America in 1953 with $10 and all his belongings in a suitcase he crafted from plywood. He came to Northern Kentucky, where his sister and brother-in-law lived, and went to work as a finish carpenter during the day and a freelance carpenter at night, saving all the money he could. He also taught himself to speak, read and write English.

In 1955, Toebben married his wife, LaVerne, and started his own business now known as Toebben Companies. During the next several years, his family grew to five children and his business expanded as land was purchased for building homes. The company has experienced consistent growth for several decades.

Best known as a homebuilder, Toebben also believes in giving back to the community, particularly in the area of education. He shares his success with others by being involved with many organizations in Northern Kentucky.

Just as this “land of opportunity” once gave a young German immigrant the opportunity to succeed, Toebben’s generosity of spirit gives others the opportunity to achieve their dreams.