Victor Harvey is a vodka guy -- but only after he finished stints as an athlete, hip-hop artist and sports agent. Harvey, 42, is CEO and Chairman of V. Georgio Spirits Company and the only African American to own a distilled spirits company in the world. South Florida is home, where he has launched his new brand of premium vodka, V-Georgio. You can taste it this week at Miami.com events.

We were able to catch up with Victor as he was getting ready for a youth league football game. (Oh yeah, he's also a coach.)

How did you get into the liquor business?

I had owned a few clubs and some hotels, but my father, who's from West Virginia and part American Indian, was an amateur wine-maker. I was always fascinated with what he did. I was looking to expand my hotel brand internationally and wanted something that would transcend all barriers. I noticed that, even while the economic times were changing, people were still celebrating and the one thing that crossed those barriers was alcohol.

You've had a varied background. Tell us some of your life's highlights.

As an adult, the first highlight was even getting accepted into college. I didn't think that I would ever get the opportunity to go. Playing division basketball at Bowling Green State University [in Ohio] was amazing to me.

Getting the record deal was also pretty amazing. But before that, while in college, I started a chapter called A.C.E. - the Association of Collegiate Entrepreneurs. I found that organization with a guy, who was 25 at the time, named Michael Dell [Dell Computers]. So, I knew at that time that I would never follow the traditional corporate way of working for other people and that I had an entrepreneurial spirit.

But I would say the biggest highlight of my life was becoming a father. I have a 10-year-old son, and my daughter is 11.

Why is your vodka unique?

We utilize a patented technology that enables us to purify and oxidate any distilled spirit -- whether its vodka, rum, cognac . . . . We're able to remove the harsh impurities that make alcohol burn, and we're able to do it at the molecular level.

What's it like to be the only African American to own a distilled spirits company?

Obviously, I'm very proud. But I couldn't do it by myself. I think everyone who's come before me in whatever industry has paved the way for this opportunity. It really excites me to know that I won't be the last, and I know that opens the doors to other African Americans.

Your top three things about Miami?

One, the women [laughs]. I've got to keep it real. I'm single and got nothing to hide. Two, the diversity. And three, the trend-setting -- as far as fashion, entertainment, clubs.

-- KYLE TEAL

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