A working lifetime as a road and bridge builder, beginning in 1914, gained for Toebe a statewide reputation for competence, integrity and selfless dedication to the highway industry and the good-roads movement. Walter Toebe & Co., one of Michigan's leading bridge-builders, has erected hundreds of bridges on state highway, county road and municipal street systems since its formation in 1922. While Executive Secretary of the Michigan Road Builders Association, 1943-1946, Toebe helped develop a code of ethics for the industry and a Labor Relations Division that became models for contractor organizations in other states. In the 1940's, he also represented the road builders in a landmark needs study that led to sound financing for highways.