A BRIEF HISTORY

Ira A. Fulton—Founder and Owner

Born in Tempe, Arizona, in 1931, Ira grew up defining his own work ethic.  At age six, he became a dishwasher in his mother’s cafe.  He acquired his first “real” job as a newspaper courier at age eleven, eventually becoming the number one carrier for the Arizona Republic. Using this dogged mind-set, he elevated his sights to become his own best role model.

After attending Arizona State University on a football scholarship, then marrying Mary Lou Henson, Ira went to work for National Cash Register.  While there, he rose to the heights of National Salesman of the Year. From NCR, he formed his own companies, serving the computer needs of many corporations.

In 1974, Ira became a consultant for Eagleson’s Big and Tall men’s clothiers, in southern California.  Formed in 1867, Eagleson’s consisted of two retail outlets and was close to bankruptcy. Within two years, Ira purchased the company, turned it around, and expanded it to include 33 retail stores with sales in the multi-millions.   He was also involved in a wholesale buying group which grew to $225 million in gross revenue.

During this same time period, Ira formed Fulton Homes in his home state of Arizona.  With cash flow provided by his clothing business, he grew from building under 100 homes a year to the present annual volume exceeding 2000 residential units.  Quantity, however, is not Ira’s motivating factor.  Rather, his desire is to serve the needs of homeowners to the best of his ability.  He does this by providing a work-force of competent, caring people—those who select prospective neighborhoods, those who construct the homes, and those who work directly with potential homeowners.

Throughout his life, Ira has never viewed himself as competing with others.  Regardless of occupation, his sole objective has been to be better than his own past self.  With quality and integrity as his watchwords, he has worked tirelessly to present families with homes that “You’re Proud to Own, and We’re Proud to Build.”

The countertops in your home may be constructed of glazed ceramic tile, plastic laminate, granite stone slab, quartz stone slab, cultured marble or Corian. They are designed to provide years of use. Countertops are one of those items that after you have moved in, the care of your countertops is your responsibility. In order to properly maintain your countertops, we’d like to share some helpful information.

This post is a little longer than most, but it is designed to cover a variety of countertops so that you can scroll down and read the information that pertains to the countertop(s) in your home.

Basic tips and advice:

• Do not cut or chop with sharp objects or kitchen utensils. Always use a cutting board to protect your countertops when you prepare food. While minor scratches that result from cutting food may not be noticeable at first, in time they will dull and mar the luster of the finish. This can happen to even the hardest ceramic tile.
• Wipe up spills immediately. Some liquids, particularly hot ones, can cause almost imperceptible stains on ceramic tile grout and Formica or laminate countertops. In time, the stains can accumulate and become unsightly.
• Be careful to avoid dropping pots and pans and other kitchen items on your countertops. This can break or chip the counter’s surface.
• Protect the finished surface from hot items with a heat protector pad. Remember, they are heat retardant, not heat resistant.
• Countertops can be damaged by sitting on them. Excessive weight can cause warping, drawer malfunction or may cause the top to pull away from the wall.

Ceramic Tile

Glazed ceramic tile is known for its durability and the variety of colors and designs. Ceramic tiles are purchased in Dye lots that have the same texture and color. Because an exact replacement match of ceramic tile can be impossible, we urge you to take special care to avoid breaking or damaging the ceramic tile. Save any unused tile that you may have for future repairs.

Ceramic tile is brittle and can be broken by a sharp blow from a heavy object. The best way to avoid broken tiles is to use a cutting board and other protection for your ceramic tiles when you are at work in your kitchen. Wipe spills away promptly to avoid staining the grout. Warm soapy water, a detergent or a commercial tile cleaner can be used to keep your tile bright and shiny.

Grout Sealing: Water can penetrate grout seams and joints, and will damage materials adjacent to and underneath the tile. This occurs when excessive amounts of water are used during floor washing, or in the bathroom from splashes and spills from the showers, tubs, and sinks. The grout and tile installer will apply a silicone based grout sealer before close of escrow to reduce staining, mildew, and water penetration. Because the grout between the tiles is porous, you may want to consider sealing the grout once a year or so. This will prevent stubborn stains from penetrating the grout and becoming unsightly. Routine scrubbing of the grout with warm soapy water will keep it clean and fresh. Cleaners that are to strong can stain the grout. See manufacturer recommendations for sealing products. Sealers and cleaners can be found at your local hardware store and should be used following manufacturers guidelines.

The seams, joints, and sealers are not waterproof, and require proper maintenance to prevent water seepage and damage of materials adjacent to and underneath the tile. Inspect these areas frequently and apply a silicone caulk to the joint as needed.

Note: Fulton Homes cannot ensure that ceramic tile repairs requiring new material will match the color of the existing tile material or colored grouting. Color variations are normal.

Cultured Marble and Granitex

Cultured marble/Granitex is a modern product, which adds style to your bathrooms. The manufacturers have instituted as many procedures as practical to insure a consistent product. Listed below are several characteristics that are beyond the manufacturers control.

Hairline Scratches: Whether inward or outward, they are considered normal, and customer maintenance is recommended to buff these scratches out as necessary.

Irregular Granite or Color: For each square foot of marble an exact percentage of pigment is added. Although they may be disbursed in a wide range of graining, this effect gives each product a character of its own. The manufacturer cannot control the results of either color or graining.

Gel Coat: Gel coat, the outermost skin is prone to varying degrees of inconsistencies:

1. Orange peel effect, caused by temperature of drying.
2. Ripple effect caused by shrinkage.
3. Stress marks, which are also cause by shrinkage.
4. Dimples, caused by impurities in the chemicals or catalyst.

Thermal Shock: Rapid changes of temperature from 5 ° F to 70° F may cause cracking. Keeping marble at room temperature (65° F to 80° F) and controlling water heater temperature to approximately 120° F can control this effect.

Yellowing: The yellowing of cultured marble/granite is an inherent property of the product. As part of the normal aging process, cultured marble/granitex will yellow. There are some determining factors that do affect this process. The thinner materials, such as shower panels, are more susceptible to discolor @ an accelerated rate. Cultured marble/granitex installed in a secondary bath, which tends to be darker than the main bath, tends to discolor at an accelerated rate. Naturally bright-light baths tend to decelerate the process. **Stationary objects (IE: ceramic tooth brush holders, planters, tissue paper holders, towels) must be moved periodically to eliminate yellowing from underneath the object.

Proper maintenance of cultured marble is similar to the maintenance needs of fine wood. Remove spills immediately to avoid stains. The lacquer contained in most hair sprays can damage the surface coating of cultured marble tops. Do not use abrasive cleansers on your cultured marble countertops or marble bath panels. Most food and drinks are acidic and can etch the finish on the marble. Do not place any items, which may scratch the surface directly onto the countertop.

Routine care of cultured marble countertops requires warm water and a soft cloth or sponge. If the surface of your cultured marble countertops becomes dull, you might consider having the marble polished by a professional who specializes in marble polishing.

Add caulk as necessary from shrinkage or settling. Use latex caulking were cultured marble/Granitex meets the walls, and silicone caulking where culture marble/Granitex meets culture marble/Granitex (joints).

Apply polishing products as directed by the manufacturer of the product to prevent hard water build-up, reduce scratching and to maintain luster. It allows quick and complete water run off. See manufacturer recommendations for recommended polishing products.

Avoid gritty abrasive cleaners (any dry powder cleaners), bleaches or acetone based nail polish. Use only mild liquid cleaners.

Hand wipe or buff any scratches incurred during normal use with similar paste wax using a feathering method.

Items NOT to be used or placed on marble:

1. Razor blades to remove any foreign material.
2. Cigarettes placed on any edge or surface.
3. Any acetone based cleaners or other acetone based liquids.
4. Old style Polaroid negatives, including curing lotion.

Corian Solid Surfaces

Corian® was created for a lifetime of easy care. Just follow the simple guidelines listed here to keep your Corian® surfaces looking as fresh as the day they were installed. Your care and maintenance kit will provide you with the tips and tools to help you enjoy your new Corian® top for years to come. To download a PDF version of Corian® Care and Maintenance tips go on-line to www.corian.com

Routine Care

Typically, three types of countertop finishes that are used: matte/satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss. Most countertops are finished with a matte/satin finish. All sinks have a matte finish. However, routine cleaning may raise the gloss level of the countertop over time. Soapy water, ammonia-based cleaners (Not window cleaners) or commercially available solid surface cleaners will remove most dirt and residue from all types of finishes. See manufacturer recommendations for recommended cleaning products.

Stubborn residue will require a little stronger cleaner. Follow the product recommendations to properly clean your countertop and sinks.

With over 100 colors and varying hues, some colors may appear to require more frequent cleaning to maintain their beauty. Darker colors tend to show fine scratches more easily and will require more attention than lighter colors. Over time through care and use your countertop will acquire a patina, changing the appearance of the finish. You may restore the look of the original finish by following the refurbishing guidelines per the manufacturer recommendations.

Cleaning All Finishes

• Most dirt & residue: Use soapy water or ammonia based cleaner (not window cleaners), rinse and wipe dry.
• Preventing hard water marks: Wipe countertop dry after spills or cleaning.
• Removing hard water marks: Use an over-the-counter cleaner formulated for hard water marks that is recommended by the manufacturer.
• Difficult residue: Spray residue with Deep Cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Follow instructions on cleaner bottle. If residue persists, repeat process. If residue still persists, follow directions for removing scratches.
• Disinfecting: Occasionally, wipe surface with diluted household bleach (1 part water/1 part bleach). Rinse top thoroughly with water and wipe dry.

Sinks & Lavatories

• Cleaning: Follow procedures above and see manufacturer recommendations for recommended sink cleaning products.
• Disinfecting: Occasionally fill sink 1/4 full with diluted household bleach (1 part water/1 part bleach). Let stand for 15 minutes, and then wash sides and bottom as solution drains. Rinse sinks with water.

CAUTION

• DO NOT get bleach solution in eyes or on bare skin. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions.
• Over-the-counter cleaners recommended by the manufacturer may be used for routine cleaning in place of soap and water.
• To enhance the gloss level on semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes, use a countertop polish. See manufacturer recommendations for recommended countertop polishing products.

Preventing Heat Damage

Corian® is an excellent material for heat resistance. As with all countertop materials, it is important to minimize direct heat exposure to protect your surface and investment. Always use heat trivets or hot pads when placing hot objects on any surface. Allow cookware to cool before placing them into a Corian® sink.

Preventing Other Damage

In most cases Corian® can be repaired if accidentally damaged. However, be sure to follow the guidelines here to prevent any permanent damage to Corian®.

• Avoid exposing Corian® to strong chemicals, such as paint removers, oven cleaners, etc. If contact occurs, quickly flush the surface with water.
• Do not cut directly on Corian® countertops.
• Boiling water alone will not damage your Corian® sink, however it’s a good practice to run your faucet while pouring boiling water into your sink.

Removing Minor Cuts and Scratches

Because the solid beauty of Corian® goes all the way through, Corian® surfaces are completely renewable. You can remove minor cuts and scratches yourself by following the manufacturer recommended procedures.

Sources for materials mentioned above:
*For large defects and repairs or for complete routine professional refurbishing service, contact your local Corian® sales expert.

Granite and Quartz Slabs

Granite/quartz countertops are beautiful, durable and easy to care for. With the proper care, your granite/quartz countertop will stay new-looking for years. Stone is one of the easiest surfaces to maintain. These care instructions are designed to assist you in their day to day care to ensure your tops are maintained to retain their radiant, lustrous appearance for many years.

Cleaning

There is nothing inherent in granite/quartz stone that will cause stains. Stains are always from exterior causes and usually are organic, oil or rust related. Identifying the cause of the stain is the key to removing it. Remove a stain on granite/quartz, basing the method depending on the type of stain. Blot up spills immediately, before they penetrate the surface.

Follow the manufacturer recommendations for recommended granite and quartz cleaning products to remove:

• Coffee, tea, or fruit stains

• Ink or marker stains

• Wine, ink or other non-oil stains

• Oil-based or fat-based stains

Maintenance

Granite only: The manufacturer recommends that you re-apply granite surface sealers as needed (minimum of annually). Follow the manufacturer recommendations for recommended granite and quartz sealing products. These granite sealers are available at local building supply stores. Follow the manufacturers recommended application procedures listed on the container. Use a non-toxic sealer on food preparation areas. Consider using a new disinfectant cleaner made specifically for granite. NOTE: You do not need to use a sealer on Quartz stone surfaces.

If you do not maintain a quality seal on your granite, you encourage possible stains. Without the seal, granite is porous and will absorb moisture. This is an inherent characteristic of natural stone. Some granite is less dense or more absorbent than others.

Call your professional stone supplier, installer, or restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat.

Ask a professional to remove or repair a scratch in granite/quartz.

General Information

Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface.

Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that could scratch the surface.

Please Note: The seams in granite/quartz slab countertops may vary in placement from that of a model home or your neighbor’s home. This is due to the size of the slabs you may have selected and the natural stability of the slab.

Please Note: Granite/quartz slabs are selected to best match those samples seen and are a natural material and will never match the color, grain and texture samples seen or those in the model or existing homes.

Warnings:

• Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on granite/quartz countertops. Strong detergents, bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, tub & tile cleaners or corrosive liquids can dull the polished surface and should not be used.
• Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers, scouring powders, or ‘soft’ cleansers.
• Do not cut on your granite/quartz countertops, use a cutting board!
• Do not mix cleaning products such as ammonia and bleach together – the result is toxic.
• Do not stand or kneel on your countertops to reach high objects.

Plastic Laminate

Your kitchen countertop and laundry may be made of plastic laminate. It is constructed of a thin sheet of hard plastic that is laminated onto a wooden base. It is important that you not break the bond of the two materials. Keep standing water away from the back splash, seams, and the seal around the sink. These areas are prone to water damage, since excessive moisture eventually will break down the seal and cause swelling or delaminating. Check seams periodically and re-caulk as necessary. Do not place hot pans directly on the counter’s surface. They will scorch the surface.

Laminate may be stained by the inks used to mark grocery products, especially meat and produce. These can be difficult to remove, so we suggest that you avoid these items directly on the countertops.

Protect your countertops against appliances that generate heat IE (coffee makers, electric skillets/fry pans, etc) especially at mitered seam areas.

Clean with liquid detergents only. Do not use abrasive cleaners. Follow the manufacturer recommendations for recommended laminate cleaning products.

Absolutely no cutting or chopping on counters regardless of patterns! Use of a cutting board is highly recommended.

DO NOT place any hot objects directly on you countertops. This includes but is not limited to; hot plates, skillets, irons, and frying pans.

DO NOT place your dish strainer or a towel for air drying dishes over any mitered seams. The excessive moisture over time can penetrate the seam and cause water damage and delaminating will occur!

DO NOT apply excessive weight on the laminate tops. This can cause cracking of the tops and seams.

Keep standing water away from the back splash, seams, and the seal around the sink. These areas are prone to water damage, since excessive moisture will eventually break down the seal and cause swelling and delaminating. Due to shrinkage and settling check outer edges and backsplash seams periodically and re-caulk with latex caulk as necessary.

The seams of your counter have been treated with a “seam fill” product, but you should not allow water to stand on the seam. The water can penetrate the seam causing it to buckle. To help prevent this, the manufacturer suggests that you use paraffin wax on the seams as part of your routine maintenance. Your local hardware store or home center can advise you on the proper product.

Warranty Caution: Review and follow the countertop manufacturers cleaning and care recommendations.

It is important to maintain your home so that it stays in the same great shape as it was when it was new. Below are some home maintenance suggestions we’d like to share with you in order to help keep your home in the best possible shape. Following these suggestions can save you from costly repairs if items are neglected.

Every Month

* Wood Cabinets – Dust cabinets with a soft lint-free cloth. You can dampen the cloth slightly with water or a spray-type dust remover.
* Furnace/Air Conditioning – Inspect filters for dust. Clean and replace filters monthly.
* Plumbing – Check under kitchen and bathroom cabinets for leaks. Tighten fittings carefully. Check the area around the hot water heater for leaks.
* Kitchen Exhaust Fan – Remove and clean the filter. Clean accumulated grease deposits from the fan housing.
* Faucet Aerators – Check for proper flow of water. If the flow is reduced, clean aerator screens. During the first two months, the faucet aerators could require more frequent cleaning.
* Perimeter Inspection – Look for evidence of termites on or near your foundation.

Every 2 Months

* Exterior Doors – Lubricate hinges and locks as required. Inspect finish for cracks and peeling. Use touch-up paint or varnish where required.

Every 3 Months

* Interior Doors – Lubricate hinges.
* Garage Door – Lubricate hardware. Inspect mechanism for free travel. Adjust if necessary.

Every 6 Months

* Kitchen Tile Grout – Inspect for loose or missing grout. Re-grout if necessary. Re-caulk at the edge of the backsplash if necessary.
* Tiled Areas – Inspect caulked areas for missing or damaged caulking. Re-caulk if necessary.
* Shower Doors – Inspect for proper fit. Adjust if necessary. Inspect caulking and re-caulk if necessary.
* Tub Enclosures – Inspect for proper fit. Adjust if necessary. Inspect caulking and re-caulk if necessary.
* Front Doors – Repaint if necessary. Consult your Homeowner Association regulations before you change the exterior paint color of your doors.
* Gutters – Clean debris from gutters every six months and after storms.

Every 12 Months

* Exterior Paint – Inspect for cracked or peeling paint. Repair and repaint if necessary. Consult your Homeowner’s Association regulations before you change any exterior paint colors. Southern and Western exposures are especially subject to peeling and cracking. Inspect these areas twice each year. Repaint as necessary.

Painting Repair Note: Painting repairs requiring new material will often NOT match the color of the existing material. Paint repairs may show slight variations in color as a result of weathering, aging, or pigment variations in different paint manufacturing runs. Color variations are normal.

* Roof – Inspect for damaged tiles or accumulated debris after storms and high winds. An annual inspection by roofing professional is recommended.

* HVAC System – We recommend an inspection by a heating professional every year. ?

Please review this list of home maintenance suggestions as often as you like. This information will be available right here on the Fulton Homes blog whenever you need it.

Fulton Homes is among Arizona’s largest home builders. When Ira Fulton started Building homes 30 years ago, he didn’t want to be one of the biggest, just the best. Below are 10 key the things that set us apart.

1. At Fulton Homes, we select and develop neighborhoods.  We feel it is important to develop neighborhoods which will stand the “test of time.
2. We take great care in selecting the entrances of each community. This includes special placement of water features as well as open spaces and trails, ramadas, barbeques, basketball courts, and playgrounds in our neighborhoods.
3. We also take great care in having Homeowner Associations in all of our communities, as these organizations help preserve and enhance home values.
4. At Fulton Homes, we survey every customer, asking a series of encompassing questions.
5. We use approximately forty different trades for each home we build. Because all facets of the company are affected, we use a committee approach.  We continually measure each trade in order to keep selecting the best ones.
6. By listening to our customers, we continually change our product line.  Because of local preferences, we have changed optional items into standard features.
7. An additional facet of our culture is the development and use of state-of-the-art technology.  As you will discover, Fulton Homes is among the most “technologically advanced” home builders in the country.
8. Our contract process is different from that used by most builders.  Our two-step process reduces the need for costly changes once the home has been started.  In turn, this allows the finished product to be available in the shortest amount of time.
9. Our Customer Care staff is eager to solve any problems that may arise after the home closes.

10. At Fulton Homes, we donate fifty percent of our profits to worthy causes. Tomorrow’s citizens are Mr. Fulton’s passion.

“Purchasing a home is likely the single largest investment you will make.  Take your time; do the research.  We are confident that, when all of the facts are in, you will become the proud owner of yet another quality Fulton Home.” – Ira Fulton

Fulton Homes Plans to Make a Splash this Summer with Prevention Program to Combat Water-Related Fatalities

In an effort to deter fatal drownings and keep families safe around water, Fulton Homes is teaming up with News/Talk 92.3 KTAR, 98.7 The Peak and the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter to educate parents and children on water safety with their 2 Seconds Is Too Long Water Safety Campaign.

The campaign will kick off on Monday, March 15, 2010 and the initiative will continue through September, with 2 Seconds is Too Long representatives appearing at various locations throughout the valley featuring CPR demonstrations by the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter, locations TBD. Additionally, there will be select Saturdays where News/Talk 92.3 KTAR will conduct fun family events including CPR demonstrations at local Diamondbacks games.

“One drowning is one too many, and it’s a tragedy that can be avoided with the proper precaution,” notes Fulton Homes CEO Douglas Fulton. “The number one key to preventing deaths is to educate yourself on preventative measures and what to do in case of an emergency.”

The 2 Seconds is Too Long program, along with the Fulton Homes Fence Patrol are both water safety initiatives planned for the summer of 2010 and supported by Arizona’s most recognized homebuilder.

“It takes emergency personnel a few minutes to get to the scene of an emergency once they are contacted,” said Bill Epps, American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter Chief Executive Officer. “For someone who’s been involved in a water emergency or having a heart attack, that could be too long. Learning Red Cross CPR and First Aid could mean the difference between life and death.”

Fulton Homes has always been a proud proponent for Water Safety in the Phoenix area. The long-running Two Seconds is Too Long campaign has helped raise awareness of the tragedy of child drownings. The “Fulton Homes Fence Patrol” pool fence program has helped hundreds of people equip their homes with barriers to help prevent youngsters from falling into the pool. The company also supports the Valley of the Sun YMCA, providing swimming lessons to disadvantaged youths who learn valuable life skills, including personal safety and growth, stroke development, rescue and water sports.

For more information on 2 Seconds is Too Long, tune into News/Talk 92.3 KTAR and 98.7 The Peak, or visit www.ktar.com or www.987thepeak.com, keyword “2 seconds.” Families are also encouraged to visit www.fultonhomes.com and click on the Fulton Foundation section, where a link for water-safety programs is provided.

Founder and Owner of Arizona’s Largest Privately Owned Homebuilder Honored for a Lifetime Commitment to Public Service

Ira A. Fulton, Founder and Owner of Fulton Homes, received the 2010 Hearthstone BUILDER Humanitarian Award on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at a gala awards event held during the 2010 International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Now in its 11th year, the Hearthstone BUILDER Humanitarian Award honors builders who have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to making their communities a better place to work and live. A $100,000 cash award will be donated to the Fulton Foundation. The award represents the single largest charitable award program in the homebuilding industry and the award is one of the most coveted, having to date contributed over $4 million to various charities.

Fulton was born in Tempe, Arizona, in 1931 and played football for Tempe Union High School – and he later attended Arizona State University on a football scholarship. Fulton Homes was founded in 1975 and grew to be one of the top homebuilders and family owned businesses in Arizona. Fulton has made a lifetime commitment to contributing time and investments for the betterment of not only the Arizona community, but communities all over the western United States, donating more than $300 million to worthy causes. Fulton has been continuously ranked in the Top 50 US philanthropists by Business Week Magazine, the only member of this elite group in Arizona. Under Fulton’s direction, Fulton Homes donates 60% of the company’s profits to worthwhile causes and he personifies a culture of sharing which imbues his actions and those of his company. Fulton Homes has enjoyed a long relationship with many local charities and public service outlets dedicated to protecting children and bettering our education system. Various programs include “the Fulton Homes Fence Patrol,” which installs free pool fences to needy families, “Teacher of the Week,” which recognizes outstanding Valley educators, and “Proud to Own the 3-Point Zone,” a joint effort with Fulton Homes and the Phoenix Suns charities.

Fulton’s generosity, however, isn’t without accountability. As he gives, Fulton asks for accountability. “Not because I need it, but because the people I’m giving to need it,” relates Fulton, who doesn’t hesitate to get on the phone with someone at one of the many organizations he helps to find out how a project is progressing or to share his opinion on an idea. “They need to understand that there’s no such thing as a free handout,” adds Fulton. “I don’t believe in free lunches. But you teach people how to buy their own lunches, how to provide for themselves. You do that and you build character, self-esteem, and pride.”

BUILDER Magazine and HEARTHSTONE, America’s premier investor in residential development, together with founding sponsor Kohler Company, have joined forces to create this award program to recognize builders who go the extra mile to help others.

While helping institutions such as Arizona State University and Brigham Young University, as well as the Huntsman Cancer Center, Fulton is guided by a principle that is now also inscribed on the wall of the gymnasium of his alma mater, Tempe High School: “Our future lies in our ability to dream. What we dream, we can create. What we create, we can become.”