Gene Toombs
Chairman Emeritus, Former Chairman, President and CEO
MiTek Industries, Inc.
Laureate 2021
Gene Toombs was Chairman Emeritus of MiTek Industries, Inc. He was formerly Chairman, President and CEO from 1993 through 2012. MiTek is the world's leading provider of engineered fastening devices, services, design software and machinery for the building components industry. In addition, it diversified into many commercial and industrial construction markets and has operations on six continents. Mr. Toombs orchestrated the sale of 90% of the company to Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway in 2001. He and other executives retained a 10% ownership. The company grew dramatically during his tenure.
Gene served on the board of many organizations including St. Louis Trust Co, the Magic House, Missouri Botanical Garden, Chairman of the St. Louis Science Center, St. Luke's Hospital, Central Institute for the Deaf, and a home building company in Florida. He is also a former Chairman of the Board at Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis.
A native of New Jersey, he has lived and worked in St. Louis for over 40 years. He graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a degree in Business Management and The Harvard Business School's program for Management Development.
He and his wife, Judy, have one son and two grandchildren residing in St. Louis.
"Junior Achievement is a terrific organization that every young person should participate in. It teaches our children basic business skills that they will need to grow and prosper."
Gene Toombs
Gene Toombs - Biography Video
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