It was from this position that Fuller’s career with Marriott soared to new heights. He went on to serve as director of national and international sales and reservations; chief sales and marketing officer for Marriott International; and regional vice president for Marriott’s Midwest and Western/Pacific regions. In 1990, he was promoted to senior vice president and managing director of Marriott’s international lodging operations. Seven years later, he accepted his current role as president and managing director of international lodging.

Under his leadership, Marriott has expanded its global footprint from 16 properties in six countries to more than 410 hotels in 70 countries; another 175 hotels are currently under construction worldwide. Furthermore, during his tenure, gross revenues have skyrocketed from $325 million to nearly $7 billion.

Building relationships by getting out from behind the desk played a major role in fueling that success. And there’s no doubt in Fuller’s mind that Sigma Alpha Epsilon helped him learn to build and nurture lasting relationships. As an undergraduate, Fuller served his chapter as Eminent Treasurer and as recruitment chairman for BU’s Interfraternity Council. He also served as business manager of the school newspaper, participated in student government and was elected a member of the university’s Scarlet Key Society in recognition of his extracurricular work on campus.

“The Fraternity gave me a realistic worldview that complemented what I was learning in the classroom,” said Fuller. “I learned how to interact with different people to make things happen, and it gave me practical insight into business as I planned activities.”

As an only child, Fuller found that having 40 brothers was another one of the perks of becoming an SAE. “Having the ability to walk around campus and know I had close friends and their support was helpful, no doubt about it.”

As an alumnus, Fuller finds his fraternal bonds are just as strong. “My father worked for Balfour [jewelers], and I still wear my college ring, which has the letters SAE on it,” he said. “More times than not, somebody notices my ring and says, ‘I’m an SAE, too’ and shakes my hand. The Fraternity provides a great networking venue to have a conversation about what we did and how important our [collegiate experience] was, which then leads to other topics. Being a member of the Fraternity has definitely helped in business.”

This March, Fuller shared his expertise in building and nurturing relationships with 25 of the Fraternity’s top undergraduate leaders during The Inner Circle, which was held in Prince Frederick, Maryland. He also shared his considerable knowledge during the Fraternity’s 75th Leadership School when he spoke to the delegates at a general session. Fuller will nurture his own long-standing Sigma Alpha Epsilon relationships when he and 12 of his chapter brothers reunite this fall.

“Building relationships is the foundation of a social fraternity, and SAE made a huge difference in how I learned to interact,” said Fuller. “The Fraternity spent a lot of time educating me on the significance of how relationships can help. And help they did.”

Until he and his brothers reunite, Fuller will continue to log more miles as Marriott expands its international lodging division. But to Fuller, that’s just how business is done: in person, onsite and by flying around.

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