Victor G. Harvey Sr. is a prominent entrepreneur and a trailblazing figure in the American beverage industry, recognized for founding Victor George Spirits and establishing Florida’s first Black-owned distillery. Through his multi-faceted career spanning music, real estate, and spirits, Harvey has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to entrepreneurship and community development, significantly impacting the landscape of Black ownership in American distilling.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Harvey pursued higher education at Bowling Green State University, where he earned a business degree in 1990 while also excelling as a Division 1 basketball player. After graduating, he ventured into the investment business and, in the 1990s, explored a successful career in the music industry as a rap artist and record label owner. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him into real estate, acquiring his first hotel in 2004.
Harvey’s initial foray into the spirits industry began in 2006 with the launch of V Georgio Vodka. This venture quickly gained traction, becoming one of the fastest-growing vodka brands in Florida during its debut year. After navigating the challenges of the 2007 market crash, Harvey re-entered the spirits business with a renewed vision, leading to the establishment of Victor George Spirits in 2019. That same year, he launched Victor George “VG” Vodka, which rapidly achieved national prominence, securing distribution in 44 states and appearing in major retail chains such as Kroger, Albertsons, and Trader Joe’s.
A pivotal moment in Harvey’s career and for Black entrepreneurship in the spirits industry came with his ambitious plan to build Florida’s first Black-owned distillery in Fort Lauderdale. In January 2019, initial plans for a distillery and restaurant in Flagler Village were announced. These plans evolved, and in November 2021 (publicly announced in January 2022), Harvey secured a significant $2.45 million forgivable loan from the Fort Lauderdale Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to fund the construction of a 15,000-square-foot, four-story facility. This landmark project, named 'The Victory Building' after the historic Victory Theatre, is situated on the historic Sistrunk Boulevard—a street named in honor of pioneering Black physician Dr. James Franklin Sistrunk and once the “heart and soul” of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest African American community. The Victory Building is slated to house a distillery, restaurant, cigar bar, whiskey lounge, co-working space, and a rooftop bar, with a groundbreaking ceremony held on June 25, 2024. As of 2022, Harvey also acquired Palm Beach Distillery, further expanding his production capabilities.
Beyond vodka, Victor George Spirits has expanded its portfolio with culturally significant offerings. In June 2022, Harvey launched Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey. This bourbon is named in honor of Fort Mosé, established in 1738 as the first free Black town in the United States, located near St. Augustine, Florida. The brand aims to shed light on this largely untold history and acknowledge the significant contributions of Black people to the American whiskey industry. The Fort Mosé brand has since expanded to include Fort Mosé 1738 Rye Whiskey. In collaboration with his daughter, Jolyn Harvey, the company also introduced Victor George Caramel Vodka, further diversifying their product range. The company's goal is to become the largest Black-owned spirits maker in the world by 2025.
Victor G. Harvey Sr.’s lasting impact extends beyond his brands. He is recognized as one of the first African American vodka owners in the United States and has been instrumental in creating a visible pathway for other Black entrepreneurs in the highly capital-intensive and regulated spirits industry. His commitment to the community is evident through initiatives like hiring from within the local neighborhood for his distillery project, contributing to the revitalization of Sistrunk Boulevard, and supporting non-profits through scholarships for young adults interested in entrepreneurship. Harvey’s endeavors embody a dedication to both business excellence and the profound cultural legacy of Black Americans in the beverage sector.
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Sources
- Victor George Vodka to Build Fort Lauderdale's 1st Black Owned Distillery, Restaurant & Bar Designed by Peacock Architects
- 'Victor George Spirits' (AKA: Old Sistrunk Distillery) Celebrates Historic Groundbreaking as Florida's First Black Owned Distillery
- African-American entrepreneur to build billion dollar Vodka brand