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

The story of Harney & Sons is not merely a chronicle of premium tea distribution; it is a tapestry woven from four decades of family commitment, passion, and the pursuit of the perfect cup. What began in 1983 as a modest venture in a quiet residential basement has blossomed into a global name, synonymous with quality and tradition. Founded by John Harney, who honed his craft under the tutelage of English tea expert Stanley Mason, the company has navigated the shifting tides of the industry while remaining firmly anchored in its family roots. As the Harney family grows, so too does their collective expertise, with the third generation now firmly entrenched in the day-to-day operations of the brand.

To understand the enduring nature of Harney & Sons, one must look at the individuals who drive its success. Far from being a faceless corporation, the business operates as a multi-generational labor of love. As the family expands—with the sons of the original founders now raising sons of their own—the need to preserve the company’s heritage while embracing modern innovation has never been more apparent.

The Matriarch: Elyse Harney

At the helm of the Harney family remains its president, Elizabeth G. "Elyse" Deublein. A North Bergen, New Jersey native and a 1952 graduate of Brooklyn’s St. Joseph’s University, Elyse’s influence extends far beyond the boardroom. Her academic background at Columbia University served as a precursor to a lifetime of dual-track success. In 1953, she married John Harney, and three decades later, she stood beside him as a co-founder of the tea company.

Elyse’s professional versatility is legendary within the family. In 1987, she obtained her real estate license and founded Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE). During the company’s infancy, this venture proved vital, providing the financial stability necessary for John to cultivate the burgeoning tea business. Today, EHRE has evolved into a powerhouse agency across Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The legacy continues within that firm as well; Elyse’s daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, serves as the lead broker and owner, working alongside her husband, Scott, and their daughter, Brittany. It is a testament to the family’s entrepreneurial spirit that they have successfully managed two distinct, high-profile legacies.

For Elyse, the ritual of tea is a daily constant. Her personal preferences are as diverse as the company’s catalog, ranging from the delicate, aromatic notes of Dragon Pearl Jasmine to the grounded, savory profile of Japanese Sencha—a tea also favored by her late husband. Her morning routine often includes the Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, while her afternoons are frequently dedicated to oolongs. As the day concludes, she leans toward calming options like Jasmine tea, the vibrant Yellow & Blue, or the soothing Chamomile that John once brought home for her, cementing a tradition that has spanned decades.

The Second Generation: Expertise and Innovation

Mike Harney, the company’s Vice President and Master Tea Buyer, represents the second generation of leadership. Following his graduation from Cornell University with a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration, Mike spent time managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago. He officially joined his father’s company in 1988, bringing with him a rigorous standard of quality that remains the hallmark of the brand.

As the company’s primary tea taster, Mike’s role is nomadic; he spends significant time traveling the globe to meet with producers, ensuring that only the finest leaves make it into the Harney tins. His expertise was formalized in 2008 with the publication of The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, a work that distills his years of sensory training and industry knowledge. When asked to identify a favorite, Mike notes that his palate is constantly evolving. His focus remains on "terroir"—the unique characteristics imparted by a tea’s specific natural environment—which serves as the guiding principle for his curated selections.

Alongside Mike is his wife, Brigitte, who serves as a Manager and Buyer. Their story is one of international serendipity; born in Suresnes, France, Brigitte first arrived in the Connecticut area in 1977 as an au pair. Through a family connection, she met the Harneys, later reconnecting with Mike during his internship in France. Her influence on the company is profound, particularly in her refined taste. While she is the namesake of "Brigitte’s Blend"—a sophisticated mix of silvery Ceylon and tippy Assam—her preferences shift with the seasons. In the cooler autumn months, she might favor the depth of a Panyang Congou or a Thai Rooibos, while the arrival of spring signals a return to the light, brisk notes of a First Flush Darjeeling.

The second generation also includes Mike’s brother, Paul Harney, who serves as a Vice President with a penchant for innovation. Paul is credited with spearheading several of the company’s modern milestones, including the development of their organic, ready-to-drink line and the introduction of pyramid sachets. These sachets represented a technical leap forward, allowing whole-leaf tea to steep effectively within a convenient format. Furthermore, Paul was the driving force behind The Hemp Division, a sister company established in 2018 that leverages the Harney family’s expertise in premium botanicals to navigate the expanding market for legal hemp products. His personal tastes reflect a sense of adventure, highlighted by his preference for the "Horchata" tea—a creative blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon that pays homage to his appreciation for Mexican flavors.

The Third Generation: Continuity and Vision

As the business moves into the third generation, the roles are becoming increasingly defined by those who grew up in the shadow of the tea tins. Emeric Harney, the Marketing Director and son of Mike, represents the future of the brand. His introduction to the business was remarkably early; by age four, he was assisting with basic packaging tasks, and by his early teens, he was a fixture at the retail shop.

Emeric’s contributions have been both operational and creative. In 2010, he successfully launched the Harney & Sons retail presence in SoHo, a move that significantly boosted the brand’s urban visibility. Since 2016, his focus has shifted toward marketing, product development, and the intricate world of tea buying. His current favorites, such as the earthy Matcha iri Genmaicha in the morning and the robust Panyang Congou in the afternoon, underscore his deep-seated understanding of the product.

Similarly, Alex Harney, the eldest son of the third generation, has carved out a unique path as the company’s Content Director and Café Director. His childhood memories are inextricably linked to the scent of bergamot oil, as he once helped his grandfather blend Earl Grey tea by hand. This creative inclination translated into a career in visual storytelling, as he now oversees the brand’s film and photography departments. His culinary background, established when he served as the founder and executive chef of the Millerton Café, remains an integral part of the family’s hospitality heritage. Alex’s personal palate favors the nuanced complexity of lightly oxidized oolongs, such as the Dong Ding Light and Wenshan Baozhong, reflecting an appreciation for the subtle art of tea processing.

A Future Still Brewing

The current composition of the Harney & Sons team is a testament to the family’s ability to balance legacy with evolution. While the business has grown significantly from its humble basement beginnings, the core values of sourcing, blending, and sharing remain unchanged. The family acknowledges that, much like the nature of the industry itself, growth is inevitable.

As the Harneys look toward the horizon, they remain committed to the pursuit of excellence in every cup. The company continues to source from the most reputable gardens, sample extensively to ensure quality, and refine their blends to meet the tastes of a global audience. Whether through the steady guidance of the first generation or the innovative spirit of the third, the Harney family remains dedicated to making the everyday ritual of tea drinking a truly exceptional experience. While this snapshot represents the family as it stands today, there is always a sense of anticipation for what the next chapter—and the next generation—might bring to the table.