From the small town of Stephens, Arkansas to the job sites of Texas and beyond, Shabree Hughley has always carried the mindset of a leader. A U.S. Army veteran who served for eight years, Shabree now brings that same drive, discipline, and attention to detail to his work at Performance Contractors.
Shabree’s military career began at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he completed basic training and AIT before moving on to Fort Hood and Fort Carson. As a 19Kilo Tanker, he was trained to operate some of the Army’s most powerful vehicles and was promoted up to the rank of E-6. Though he originally joined the military to pursue a career playing basketball, his path ultimately led him to a different kind of team—and a life of service that left a lasting impact.
“I met some of the best guys that are still my buddies to this day,” he said. “Even when friends from home drifted away, I found a new kind of family in the military.”
After completing his service, Shabree faced a difficult transition to civilian life when the business he owned was impacted by the recession. That’s when he gave the industrial construction field a try—and never looked back. He joined Performance in 2015 as a helper, but his work ethic and determination quickly caught the attention of his supervisors.
“I didn’t like the position I was in,” he recalled. “So I bugged my supervisor to give me more opportunities. I listened, learned, and used every bit of that to work my way up.”
Today, Shabree leads with the same integrity and accountability that shaped his Army experience. For him, the parallels between military and construction life are clear: long hours, high expectations, the need for precision, and a deep respect for teamwork.
“Being a leader in the military is the same as at Performance—you lead by example,” he said. “And you always carry yourself with integrity and respect.”
Shabree also praises Performance’s veteran support programs and hopes more companies follow suit. “The transition out of military life shouldn’t be so hard,” he said. “But it is. That’s why programs like the one here at Performance make such a difference.”
His advice to other veterans thinking about getting into the construction industry? “Don’t listen to the negativity. This field gives you purpose. It keeps you focused and helps take your mind off the past. And the pay’s not bad either,” he added.
When he’s not on site, Shabree enjoys working out, hunting, spending time with his family, and collecting firearms. From tanker to tradesman, Shabree Hughley continues to rise by staying true to the values he learned in service—grit, leadership, and drive.
