Who would have ever thought that the world’s largest crane would make an appearance in Chandler, Arizona? Just a mile from Fulton Ranch the crane (and its operators too) are hard at work on construction of the new Intel facility otherwise known as Fab 45.

Intel Corp’s $5 billion investment in a new facility not only brings thousands of factory and construction jobs to the area but also higher wage and higher skill positions. When the facility opens in 2013 the factory will be the most advanced high-volume semiconductor manufacturing facility in the world.

Since many of our homeowners are working on this project we thought you may want to see pictures of what they are creating AND of course pictures of the largest crane in the world.

Isn’t it FAB(45)ulous?

BUILDER USES RETAIL APPROACH TO SATISFY HOMEBUYERS

When Fulton Homes opened up their 13,000 square foot Design Center, in Tempe, they concentrated on using a retail approach to the merchandising of options as opposed to a “Builder Approach.”   Brand names are very important to buyers, so they selected quality brands such as Shaw, Mohawk, Moen, Kohler, GE, GE Profile, GE Monogram, Viking, Sony, OnQ- LeGrand, Jeld Wen, Therma Tru, and Hunter Douglas.  “We are constantly evaluating our performance of options, and adding new items as well as deleting items that buyers may not want”, says Dennis Webb, Vice President of Operations.  “In the past few years we have re-merchandised nine kitchens and three bathrooms in the center as we stay in tune to what our customers are looking for.” notes Douglass Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes.

When purchasing a new home, recent studies indicate the homebuyers want a large selection of options in order to personalize their new home.  Fulton Homes offers over 6000 options to accommodate the discerning buyer.  Other builders offer a few option packages in their “Builder Approach” so that the construction of the house is less complicated and easier to build.

Fulton Homes also offers the first online options selection program called “Design Online.”  Here buyers can view thousands of options on line from their own living rooms.  The information on the online site is provided by over 200 manufacturers and contains rich content including pictures, warranty information, product specs, and dimensions.  Buyers are far more prepared for their Design Center experience when they are familiar with the options online.  Fulton also opens up their Design Center on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 5:00 PM to 8:00PM for “Browse Night” so that people can see, touch, and feel the many available items that might be difficult to imagine in an online only experience.

Recently, three brand new items have appeared at the Design Center.  A revolutionary new bathroom product called “Forza Stone” of which Fulton Homes is the first builder in the country to offer is a shower and tub surround that is manufactured in sheets, and is natural stone.  Because of the sheets, there is no grouting involved.  So the buyer gets the look of natural travertine or marble, but with no grout lines that makes cleaning a snap.  Another new product is by Therma Tru and Jeld Wen doors where within a patio door, an adjustable shade screen is housed between the dual pane low E glass.  This makes privacy and light adjustment simple without having traditional window coverings moving around the interior of the door.  The third item which is exclusive to Fulton Homes in Arizona is the introduction of GE Monogram’s new 30” convertible refrigerator.  The top of the unit is a refrigeration unit, the middle section is a freezer complete with icemaker, and bottom portion can be either a refrigerator or a freezer.

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Fulton Homes is planning grand openings in three new communities this fall.  Monterey Bay at Victoria Estates and Mendocino at Ashcreek will debut in Queen Creek, while Shoreline at Fulton Ranch will open in Chandler.  For more information on Fulton Homes, visit www.fultonhomes.com.

Leading Arizona Homebuilder Launches Multi-week School Supply Drive.

Fulton Homes has partnered with KEZ 99.9 FM Radio for its annual Stuff the Bus campaign, aimed at collecting school supply donations for needy Valley students.

While public education is free in the U.S., there can be substantial costs associated with heading back to school. A U.S. Department of Agriculture report says it costs $12,738 annually to raise a school-age child. Of that figure, the report says nearly a quarter goes toward clothing, child care and education expenses.

Fulton Homes Stuff the Bus looks to help Valley families offset those costs by accepting your donations. This year’s drive runs from July 6 – 31 at Chandler Fashion Center, with a kick-off event Wednesday, July 6 from 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

A full-size school bus parked inside the Macy’s Court will bear painted handprints representing a child, and a list of items needed for a successful school year. Supporters can donate to a specific child or make a general contribution of pencils, pens, notebooks, backpacks, school uniforms and shoes.

Volunteers will also collect the supplies, clothing and backpacks for children in need at Bethune Phoenix Elementary, Dunbar Phoenix Elementary, Lowell Phoenix Elementary and Galveston Chandler Elementary.

“Heading back to school should be an exciting time for all children. They deserve to focus on learning and discovery without feeling deprived of the basics,” said Fulton Homes CEODouglas Fulton. “‘Stuff the Bus’ provides an easy and rewarding way for the community to make a huge difference in Valley children’s lives.”

You can donate outside the school bus at the Macy’s Court daily during mall hours. KEZ’s Marty Manning will be broadcast live on the following dates:

• July 6th 6:30am – 8:30am — kick-off event
• July 9th 1:00pm – 3:00pm
• July 12th 6:30am – 8:30am
• July 16th 1:00pm – 3:00pm
• July 20th 6:30am – 8:30am
• July 23rd 10:00am – 12:00pm
• July 26th 6:30am – 8:30am
• July 31st 11:00am – 1:00pm — finale

For more details about Stuff the Bus, visit www.kez999.com and search keywords “stuff the bus”. For more information call (602) 452-1000 or go to www.fultonhomes.com and click on the “Fulton Foundation” link.

We would love it if you would take a minute to check out our new video.  This short video shows what your ride home could look like if you live in a Fulton Homes community. See why You’re Proud to Own, We’re Proud to Build.

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.”

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