INTRODUCING YOUR 2026 BLUE BLOODS

Every year, Emery Sapp & Sons celebrates the employee-owners who set the bar for leadership, dedication, and grit. The Blue Blood distinction isn’t handed out lightly — it’s recognition from peers, earned through hard work, character, and unwavering commitment to the ESS way.

Being named a Blue Blood is one of the company’s longest-standing traditions — and it’s deeply meaningful. It honors the people who show up every day, shoulder the work, support their teams, and push the company forward with pride, skill, and integrity.

Blue Blood Nominations Requirements

5+ years of service

Displays a talent for mentoring and developing their colleagues

Embodies ESS’ core values (the 5 Ps)

Nominated by leaders and supervisors

This year’s honorees aren’t just good at their jobs — they lift everyone around them. Passionate, dependable, and driven to make their teams stronger, they define what it means to bleed ESS blue.

BLAKE HUSTEDDE

Field Operations Manager, Columbia

Blake isn’t just a Field Operations Manager; he’s the kind of leader who lives and breathes ESS’ core values. Knowledgeable, caring, and passionate, Blake preaches the values and practices them on every jobsite. He’s present, stands on his work, and always keeps the bigger picture in mind.

Whether mentoring his crew, troubleshooting a project, or taking a new employee-owner under his wing, Blake earns respect because he deserves it. He holds teams accountable, pushes for excellence, and never asks anyone to do something he wouldn’t do himself.

Blake leads with purpose, showing up every day, and helping others succeed along the way.

TROY HUNT

Field Operations Manager, Heavy Highway

With more than 30 years at ESS, Troy Hunt’s story is one of grit, growth, and impact. Starting as a carpenter, he worked his way up to become one of the company’s lead structures superintendents.

Troy is known for his strong work ethic, team-first mentality, and mentorship. He supports his crews, helps them grow, and strengthens the culture in the field. Dependable and solution-focused, Troy steps in wherever he’s needed to keep the work moving safely and efficiently.

Troy wears the ESS logo with pride, and everyone who works with him knows it. He doesn’t just manage teams — he builds people.

JUSTIN SMITH

Operations Manager, Northwest Arkansas

Justin Smith brings the same grit and dedication to operations that he does to every project he touches. Justin puts people first, making sure employee-owners have hours during slower months and helping build #1 teams across the company.

Passionate about the industry and ESS, Justin’s leadership focuses on developing younger talent, fostering strong partnerships, and setting — then raising — the bar for excellence. He’s collaborative, trusted, and known for his humor, friendship, and relentless focus on results.

Justin inspires teams, drives growth, and ensures everyone around him can succeed.

The Blue Blood tradition celebrates the people who represent the best of Emery Sapp & Sons — leaders who live our values, take care of their teams, and continues raising the bar for what’s possible.

Please join us in congratulating Blake Hustedde, Troy Hunt, and Justin Smith, the 2026 ESS Blue Bloods.