When the Back to the Bricks® Executive Committee met this year to discuss this year’s Grand Marshal, they knew that this year's recipient would be one that had ties to the community, the automotive industry, and a Veteran. Nominations were accepted, then organized and presented to the Executive Committee. This year, there were so many very deserving candidates, there are truly hundreds of deserving individuals in the community.

This year’s Official Grand Marshal is long-time Grand Blanc resident, Victor E. George II (left). George and his family have a long legacy in the area as car dealers. There are four generations of Victor George. Not only does he have an extensive automotive past which took place right here in Genesee County, but he’s a veteran of the United States Army and a longtime Rotarian.

Vic began working at a young age for his father's car dealership, gathering real-life experiences even while still finishing his studies in high school. After high school, he attended Notre Dame University in South Bend from 1949-1953 where he graduated with a BS in Marketing. While at Notre Dame, he was a member of the first Notre Dame NCAA Sanctioned Weightlifting Team where he was a lightweight champion for 2 years. In 1953 shortly after his college graduation, Victor was recruited into the United States Army and sent to Ft. Knox, Kentucky. He received an honorable discharge in June of 1955 with the rank of Corporal.

After returning home, he started working full-time with his father and began to learn the intricacies of the auto dealership trade. His father retired in 1960 and turned over the reigns to him. In 1965 he sold the dealership and opened a used car store waiting for the right opportunity to buy a new car store. In 1966 he purchased the Lippincott Oldsmobile dealership on North Saginaw Street. Business was booming and he needed room to expand and eventually bought property on South Saginaw Street near Maple where he built a standalone
Oldsmobile dealership. During his reign, Victor George Oldsmobile established itself as one of General Motors' premier dealerships nationwide.

As an avid car collector, Victor collected classic cars his whole life. He owned everything from a 1926 Flint which was manufactured by the Flint Motors’ Division to the sporty Oldsmobile 442. Over the years his collection was vast and fun! Although he doesn’t have his collection anymore, there isn’t a car, manufacturer, or production year he can’t name today. Automobiles have been his life and a love that he has passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Victor has been deeply rooted and invested in the Genesee County Community, giving back, getting involved, and has been awarded many awards, and presented certificates for his engagement and leadership. For over 90 years, the George name has been associated with car dealerships and community involvement.

Al Jones, Chairman of the Board said, “One of the things that I like most about being Chairman of the Board, is getting the opportunity to meet some of the great people of our community. I had the pleasure of meeting Victor E. George II, and listening to his stories and his background and history here in Genesee County solidified our decision for this year's selection.”

Vic, as he likes to be called has agreed to be the 19th Annual Back to the Bricks® Car Cruise Grand Marshal and is excited to share this opportunity with his loving family. He and his family will participate in the Rolling Cruise & Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday, August 16th, and be present at the Opening Ceremony Presenation on Saturday, August 19th.”

For full details on events visit: www.backtothebricks.org