Meet Patrick Fulgham | Nonprofit Founder & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Patrick Fulgham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patrick, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
My thought process behind taking risks has led me through some rollercoaster ebbs and flows in life, but through it all, I’ve been able to attain the wisdom necessary through applied knowledge in my life’s journey, in what I once believed would be insurmountable challenges, in which turned out to be profound, meaningful and priceless success across-the-board! “No risk, no reward,” is the saying, and I have gone full speed ahead with a lot of ventures thus far. A risk taker. A daredevil, those around me would describe me as. Spontaneous, yet driven through purpose and precision was still on the horizon, never losing sight of my goals and the legacy I still plan to leave when this is all over. From careers in education, to working in software and tech, to founding my own nonprofit, 1C13 inc, as well as working in the bodybuilding industry, being a multi-dimensional, constant learner and educator of application, I’ve learned more through experience by taking risks, than anything else in life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been able to dedicate years of effort toward community clean-ups, feeding the homeless, helping to build homes in Mexico, hosting speaking engagements for our youth, and helping mentor elementary, junior high and high school students, as well as several athletic teams. My experiences abroad, and my first-hand observation of poverty in the world have always driven me to help those less fortunate. My desire to help fill voids wherever possible has led me to believe in myself for greater opportunity to truly and positively impact this world for decades to come.

Once a complete introvert, now conducting speaking engagements in schools and communities around the world, I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to create a lasting impression on those who I encounter through my travels. I am the head judge of the largest promoter of bodybuilding in the world, I work full-time in software, I’m a founder of a nonprofit, and I educate on presentation regarding body language, and poise, on and off the bodybuilding stage.

One of my favorite quotes, (I may have to patent), is: “never let success get to your head, and never let failure get to your heart.” This is a quote I take with me everywhere I go, every day, has the peaks and valleys of life can start to run its course. I’d like to let the world know, “what you are is God’s gift to you, and what you become is your gift to God!”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So, San Diego is coined “America’s Finest City,” so there’s a plethora of things to see, activities to get into, amazing food to eat, and weather to enjoy all year long! From Seaworld, Legoland, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Belmont Park, Balboa Park, the miles of beaches from Mexico to north county, and so much more… you can ski and surf in the same day, and you can enjoy tons of free activities at parks like Kate Sessions. You can head to Julian for amazing pies and you can paddleboard, kayak with the leopard sharks in La Jolla, or just hang out in a place like Fiesta Island by the fire pits, or go hiking in the mountains such as Cowles Mountain. Endless opportunities here. You just can’t get enough!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to thank God, first and foremost, for I am forever grateful to rise each morning opening two gifts; my eyes. I’m also thankful for the senses He grants to have the ability, capability, capacity, courage and confidence to be a beacon of light for those who experience periodic darkness. My daily goal has been to pour into others with unconditional love, and to be a direct representation on how I choose to love, not only myself, but others as well. My beautiful mother, my amazing father, my role-model of a brother and my incredible sister, have all played astounding roles in my life, and have helped define who I am today. A leader, a humble servant and a man on many missions to achieve greatness! My coaches through bodybuilding, the hundreds of kids I’ve had the opportunity to positively impact, and not realizing my cup was being filled by filling theirs. To an amazing woman in my life, Jen! You’ve been instrumental in kickstarting and rekindling a fire that lay dormant for quite some time. You’re sincerely appreciated and loved! Thank you all, and to many others… Adrian, Collin, Dan, Travis, Brandon, Joe, cousin Ryan, Omar, Johnny, Brett, Cassie, Ravi, my bodybuilder community, my nonprofit community… thank you all!

Website: 1c13inc.org

Instagram: @P_Finesse

Linkedin: Patrick Fulgham