Don Hughes was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and spent much of his youth in the area. After serving in the Navy from 1946 to 1950, Hughes attended Harvard. He continued at Harvard, earning a degree from Harvard Business School, before joining Burlington Industries and relocating to Greensboro, North Carolina. Hughes discusses his extensive career with Burlington Industries, an international textile company based in Greensboro. He relates his rise in the company's leadership and his appointment as vice chairman. Hughes provides unique insights on the importance of the textile industry to Greensboro, as well as its eventual decline after a shift to overseas textile production. Hughes also recounts his involvement in the city of Greensboro, including meetings to discuss the city's problems with other business and political figures, such as Jim Melvin. He discusses his role in the community and civic life of Greensboro, particularly his involvement with the Rotary Club. He also relates his wife's philanthropic work, highlighting her instrumental role in fostering peace and religious tolerance in Belfast, Ireland, through the Piedmont Irish Children's Summer Program.