A Family 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 of family dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and a shared passion for the world’s most nuanced botanicals. While the brand has grown from a modest basement operation in 1983 into a globally recognized name in the specialty tea industry, the heart of the enterprise remains firmly rooted in the Harney family. As the company continues to evolve, adding new chapters to its four-decade history, it is an opportune moment to look at the people behind the tins—the individuals who source, blend, manage, and curate the teas that have become a staple in households worldwide.

The Foundation of the Harney Legacy

The origins of Harney & Sons are now well-documented, tracing back to the efforts of John Harney. Mentored by English expat Stanley Mason, John Harney took the leap from learning the intricacies of the trade to launching his own venture from his home basement over forty years ago. Yet, as much as the business has scaled, the internal structure remains a distinctly family-oriented affair. Today, the "Sons" in Harney & Sons have grown up, and the next generation has begun to stake its own claim in the business, ensuring the company’s original values are carried forward.

At the helm of this multigenerational enterprise is the company president and matriarch, Elizabeth G. "Elyse" Deublein Harney. Born in North Bergen, New Jersey, and a 1952 graduate of St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn, Elyse has been the bedrock of the Harney clan from the beginning. Her contributions extend far beyond her role as a co-founder of the tea company. In a testament to her lifelong academic and professional impact, St. Joseph’s University has invited her to serve as the commencement speaker for their class of 2026.

After marrying John Harney in 1953 and helping to raise four sons and a daughter, Elyse co-founded the tea business in 1983. Her entrepreneurial drive didn’t stop there; in 1987, she earned her real estate license and founded Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE). This venture not only provided financial stability for the family during the critical early years of the tea business but also blossomed into a premier real estate agency serving the tri-state region of Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The influence of her work ethic is evident in the next generation: her daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, took the reins of EHRE in 2005 as its lead broker and owner, with her husband, Scott, serving as an operating broker, and their daughter, Brittany, now joining the firm. This cross-generational professional success has become a hallmark of the family’s identity.

For those curious about the personal preferences of the company president, her palate is as sophisticated as the brand itself. Her "Elyse Harney’s Selects" collection highlights her varied tastes, ranging from the delicate, floral notes of Dragon Pearl Jasmine to the grounded, earthy profiles of Japanese Sencha—a tea also favored by the late John Harney. Her daily routine often includes Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea in the morning, shifting to oolongs as the afternoon progresses, and concluding with a soothing cup of Jasmine, Yellow & Blue, or classic Chamomile.

The Second Generation: Expertise and Innovation

Representing the second generation of leadership is Mike Harney, the company’s Vice President and Master Tea Buyer. Following his graduation from Cornell University with a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration, Mike initially gained experience managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago. He officially joined his father’s tea company in 1988. As the primary buyer and blender, Mike’s role requires extensive international travel to meet with tea producers, ensuring that the company maintains its high standards for quality and sourcing.

Mike’s expertise was codified in his 2008 book, The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, which draws upon his years of sampling and evaluating hundreds of varieties. When asked to define his own favorites, Mike points toward the concept of "terroir"—the environmental factors that give a tea its unique, regional character. His personal collection, "Mike Harney’s Selects," serves as a curated map of these distinct flavor profiles.

Alongside Mike is his wife, Brigitte Harney, who serves as a manager and buyer for the company. Brigitte’s journey to the family business began in France, where she was born. After arriving in the Connecticut area as an au pair in 1977, she met the Harney family. Later, while Mike was completing an internship in France, the two reconnected, and she eventually became an integral part of the Harney & Sons operation. Her personal tea preferences are as dynamic as her background, ranging from "Brigitte’s Blend"—a signature combination of Ceylon and Assam—to the robust Supreme Breakfast tea. Depending on the season and her mood, she may gravitate toward a delicate Panyang Congou or Thai Rooibos in the autumn, or a crisp, fresh First Flush Darjeeling when the weather warms.

The leadership team is rounded out by Paul Harney, the firm’s other Vice President and a primary engine for innovation. Paul has been instrumental in modernizing the brand’s offerings, including the development of organic ready-to-drink teas and juices. He was also a pioneer in implementing pyramid sachet packaging, a design that bridges the convenience of a traditional tea bag with the superior steeping experience of whole-leaf tea. Furthermore, Paul was a driving force behind the 2018 launch of The Hemp Division, a sister company that leverages the family’s expertise in premium botanicals to explore the world of legal hemp. His personal taste, as reflected in his "Paul Harney’s Selects" collection, often leans toward the creative and the unconventional, such as his affinity for the Horchata tea blend—a mixture of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon that pays homage to his interest in Mexican flavors.

The Third Generation: A Future Built on Experience

The evolution of Harney & Sons is perhaps best illustrated by the active roles played by the third generation, including Emeric Harney, the current Marketing Director. Having grown up in the business, Emeric’s involvement began in childhood, when he would assist with small tasks like peeling stickers for tea tins. By his early teens, he was working the retail floor, gaining a comprehensive understanding of customer service and gift-wrapping.

Emeric’s transition into a leadership role was marked by his successful launch of the SoHo store in 2010. Since 2016, he has overseen the marketing department, where he applies his deep-seated knowledge of product development and brand management. His current favorites, such as the invigorating Matcha iri Genmaicha in the morning or the refined Panyang Congou in the afternoon, reflect a sophisticated understanding of tea’s versatility.

Also representing the third generation is Alex Harney, who serves as the company’s Content Director and Café Director. Alex’s early memories are inextricably linked to the craft of blending, recalling days spent with his grandfather, John Harney, infusing tea leaves with bergamot oil to create the classic Earl Grey. His creative influence expanded significantly when the company moved its retail operations to Millerton in 2005 and opened a restaurant. As the founder and executive chef of the Millerton Café, Alex has curated a menu that complements the tea experience, while his work as a director of film and photography has helped shape the visual identity of the brand. For his personal enjoyment, Alex frequently reaches for lightly oxidized oolongs, such as the Dong Ding Light or Wenshan Baozhong, reflecting a preference for nuanced, aromatic profiles.

As the company looks toward the future, the Harney family acknowledges that growth is an inherent part of their journey. While the current lineup of leadership remains focused on sourcing, blending, and sharing exceptional teas, they remain open to the evolution that time brings. Much like the discovery of a new, unexpected tea variety, the next generation of Harneys waits in the wings, ready to continue the family’s legacy of making the everyday a little more extraordinary.