Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Victor Harvey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Victor, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

As a former athlete, rap star, and hotelier I was always attracted to the entertainment business. I was very fortunate to be successful at all of them and generate a significant amount of money which I used primarily to invest in real estate. In 2007 as the market started to tank I liquidated my real estate portfolio and started searching for my next venture. I noticed in a recession people were still drinking and spending money on entertainment so it gave me the idea to start my own spirits company with my own brands, something that not many Black people, if any had done before me. I launched my first vodka brand V Georgio in 2008 and it became one of the fastest growing brands in Florida. The spirits business is touch and you have to have great distributor and retail relationships along with a great story to tell so consumers can relate. In 2020 we launched our second vodka, Victor George, and in early 2022 we acquired Palm Beach distillery and launched our first bourbon, Fort Mose 1738′ along with a caramel flavored vodka making us one of the fastest growing Black owned spirits companies in the United States.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was born in Columbus, Ohio, attended Bowling Green State University where I played division 1 sports, and received a degree in business. At the age of 23 I moved to Miami, Florida to pursue my music career as a rapper and received my first contract less than a year later with a very successful Miami based record label. This quest for the stage is what got me into the spirits business. At my company we create brands that people want to celebrate and enjoy themselves with. I have very strong ties to professional athletes and entertainers that support and consume our products. One distinct difference between myself and other spirits makers, particularly, Black owned brands, is I actually make my own products at my own distillery as most others simply white label them. One of the proudest moments is when the city of Fort Lauderdale awarded me 2.5 million dollars to build the first Black owned distillery in Florida. I am also the owner of Palm Beach distillery which I acquired in 2022. I am a proud father of two adult children and a grandfather of one boy.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

When people see your hard work and passion for what you do it helps create a movement of others that want to help you succeed. The most important thing is honesty and integrity, you must do what you say your going to do.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2009 we were enjoying being one of the fastest growing vodka brands in Florida history. We were host to the Super bowl tailgate party, NCAA football national championship, and several other high profile events. One afternoon while hosting a barbeque at my 10,000 square foot mansion I, like many others were surprised to learn my attorney and business partner at the time had fled the country after orchestrating one of the largest Ponzi schemes in the country. This cost me everything and forced myself and my two children to move into a hotel. After bouncing around to different houses for a few years I was able to start a new business and start to feel some sense of normality. Once my kids were in high school I knew I wanted back in the spirits business but this time would be different. I would make my own products, use my own money, and most of all be very careful. My vision now is to be the largest Black owned spirits maker in the world by 2025.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.victorgeorgevodka.com
• Instagram: @iamvictorgeorge
• Facebook: Victor Harvey
• Linkedin: Victor Harvey
• Other: @fortmosewhiskey

Image Credits
yes i have the rights, I took them