A Legacy Steeped in Tradition: Meet the Generations Behind Harney & Sons

The history of Harney & Sons is not merely a chronicle of tea; it is a narrative of family, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Founded in 1983 by John Harney, the company began as a humble operation in the basement of the family home. John, who had meticulously learned the intricacies of the tea trade under the mentorship of English expatriate Stanley Mason, could hardly have predicted that his small-scale endeavor would blossom into an internationally recognized brand. Yet, despite decades of expansion, a shifting global market, and the passing of time, the company remains firmly rooted in its original identity: a family-run business. Today, the Harney family tree has grown even more robust, with the "sons" in Harney & Sons now raising their own children, ensuring that the legacy John Harney started continues to thrive across multiple generations.

The Matriarch: Elyse Harney

At the helm of this multigenerational enterprise stands the company’s president, Elizabeth G. "Elyse" Deublein. A foundational figure in both the Harney family and the business, Elyse’s influence extends far beyond the boardroom. Born in North Bergen, New Jersey, she is an alumna of Brooklyn’s St. Joseph’s University, graduating in 1952—an institution that recently honored her by inviting her to serve as the 2026 commencement speaker.

Following graduate studies at Columbia University, Elyse married John Harney in February 1953. Her role as a co-founder of Harney & Sons in 1983 was integral to the company’s survival and eventual success. In 1987, she expanded her entrepreneurial horizons by founding Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE). This venture proved to be a vital pillar for the family, providing the financial stability necessary for John to dedicate himself fully to building the tea business during its formative years. EHRE has since evolved into a premier real estate agency serving the tri-state area of Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The agency has become a family institution in its own right; Elyse’s daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, joined the firm in 2005 and now serves as its lead broker and owner, working alongside her husband, Scott, an operating broker. The inclusion of the next generation—specifically, their daughter, Brittany—illustrates the Harney family’s deep-seated commitment to keeping their business ventures within the family fold.

When it comes to tea, Elyse’s palate is as refined as her business acumen. Her preferences reflect a lifetime of discovery, favoring Dragon Pearl Jasmine, Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, and Japanese Sencha in the morning. As the day progresses, she often transitions to oolongs, while her evenings are frequently anchored by Jasmine Tea, the signature Yellow & Blue blend, or Chamomile—a soothing tisane that John Harney faithfully brought home for her for many years.

The Second Generation: Expertise and Innovation

Mike Harney, currently serving as Vice President and Master Tea Buyer, represents the second generation of the family’s tea legacy. After graduating from Cornell University with a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration, Mike spent time managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago before returning to the family fold in 1988. His transition into the tea business was marked by a commitment to the craft of blending and sourcing. As the Master Tea Buyer, Mike’s responsibilities take him across the globe, where he engages directly with tea producers to identify the finest harvests. His expertise was formalized in 2008 with the publication of The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, a work derived from his extensive experience as the company’s official taster, a role that has seen him sample hundreds of varieties. Mike’s philosophy is deeply tied to the concept of terroir—the idea that a tea’s quality is fundamentally linked to the unique environment in which it is grown.

Alongside Mike is his wife, Brigitte Harney, whose own journey with the family began in 1977. While working as an au pair in Connecticut, she was introduced to the Harney family, a connection that deepened years later when she and Mike reconnected during his internship in France. Brigitte serves as a manager and buyer, bringing a nuanced perspective to the company’s operations. Her personal tea preferences are reflective of her mood and the seasonal climate. While she appreciates "Brigitte’s Blend"—a delicate mixture of silvery Ceylon and tippy, full-leaf Assam—and the robust Supreme Breakfast, her seasonal favorites range from the warm, complex Panyang Congou and Thai Rooibos in the autumn to the bright, fresh notes of a first-flush Teesta Valley Darjeeling as the weather turns warmer.

The second generation is also represented by Mike’s brother, Paul Harney, who serves as the firm’s other Vice President. Known for his innovative spirit, Paul has been a primary force in diversifying the company’s portfolio. He spearheaded the development of the company’s organic ready-to-drink tea and juice lines, and he was instrumental in the introduction of pyramid sachets. This packaging innovation was a significant step forward for the brand, as it provided the convenience of a tea bag while utilizing a larger format that accommodates whole-leaf tea, allowing for better water circulation and a more flavorful infusion. Furthermore, Paul was a key architect behind the launch of The Hemp Division in 2018, a brother company that leverages the Harney family’s expertise in premium botanicals to explore the burgeoning market for hemp-based products. His eclectic taste in tea is best exemplified by his fondness for Horchata tea, a creative blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon bark that pays homage to his personal affinity for Mexican culinary traditions.

The Third Generation: A Future Defined by Experience

The third generation is already making significant contributions to the Harney legacy, beginning with Emeric Harney, the Marketing Director. Emeric’s involvement with the company began in childhood, transitioning from mundane tasks like peeling stickers for tea tins to working in the retail shop as a pre-teen. His growth within the company has been marked by a series of successes, including his role in opening the brand’s SoHo store in 2010. Since shifting his focus to marketing around 2016, he has become a versatile asset, involved in product development, brand management, and tea buying. His creative influence is evident in popular blends such as Apple Cinnamon and White Christmas. Currently, his morning routine is anchored by Matcha iri Genmaicha, while he opts for Panyang Congou for his afternoon tea.

Alex Harney, the eldest son, serves as the Content Director and Café Director, bringing a creative and culinary lens to the brand. His earliest memories are inextricably linked to the business, often spent working alongside his grandfather to infuse tea leaves with bergamot oil for Earl Grey. By age 12, Alex was assisting Brigitte with tea tastings at the retail level. When the family moved their store to Millerton in 2005, Alex took on the role of executive chef, developing the menu for the family’s café. Beyond the kitchen, he serves as the director of film and photography, capturing the aesthetic essence of the Harney brand. Alex’s personal palate favors lightly oxidized oolongs, such as Dong Ding Light, Wenshan Baozhong, and Ali San Oolong, alongside the classic profile of Genmaicha.

The Harney family continues to evolve, grounded in the same spirit of innovation and quality that defined their beginnings in a basement four decades ago. As they look to the future, the family remains dedicated to the core tenets of their business: sourcing, sampling, and blending the world’s finest teas. While the next generation of Harneys may eventually take their place in the family story, for now, the current team remains focused on ensuring that every cup served to their customers is nothing short of exceptional.