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

The story of Harney & Sons is not merely a chronicle of a successful business; it is a tapestry woven from family ties, a shared passion for the craft of tea, and a commitment to quality that has spanned over four decades. While the company has grown from a humble operation in a family basement into an internationally recognized brand, the essence of the enterprise remains firmly rooted in its origins. As the company continues to evolve, it remains a family affair in the truest sense, with new generations stepping into roles that ensure the Harney legacy remains as vibrant today as it was when John Harney first began his journey in 1983.

The origins of the company date back to when John Harney, guided by the expertise of English expat Stanley Mason, began blending and selling tea from his own home. Since those early days, the company has navigated the shifting tides of the global tea market while maintaining a familial structure that is increasingly rare in modern business. Today, the "Sons" in Harney & Sons are not just metaphors for the business’s lineage; they are literal, as the family has grown to include a third generation, each member contributing a unique skill set to the ongoing success of the brand.

The Matriarch: Elyse Harney

At the heart of this family structure is the company’s president, Elizabeth G. "Elyse" Deublein. Often referred to simply as "Mom" by those within the family, Elyse is the cornerstone of the Harney clan. Born in North Bergen, New Jersey, and a 1952 graduate of Brooklyn’s St. Joseph’s University, she has long been a figure of intellectual and professional accomplishment. Her connection to her alma mater remains strong; in a testament to her enduring impact and professional success, St. Joseph’s University has invited her to serve as the commencement speaker for the class of 2026.

Following her undergraduate studies, Elyse pursued graduate work at Columbia University before marrying John Harney in February 1953. Her role in the creation of Harney & Sons was foundational. She was not only a co-founder of the business in 1983 but was also instrumental in providing the financial stability necessary for the company’s early years. In 1987, she expanded her professional footprint by earning her real estate license and establishing Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE). Her agency grew rapidly, eventually becoming a premier real estate firm serving the tri-state region of Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts.

The real estate business, much like the tea business, has become a multi-generational pursuit for the family. Elyse’s daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, joined the firm in 2005 and has since assumed the roles of lead broker and owner. With her husband, Scott, serving as an Operating Broker, and their daughter, Brittany, also joining the team, the family’s entrepreneurial spirit has clearly left an indelible mark across both the tea and real estate industries.

When it comes to her own preferences, Elyse possesses a discerning palate, favoring a rotating selection of teas that change with the time of day and the seasons. Her morning routine often includes Dragon Pearl Jasmine, Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, or Japanese Sencha—the latter being a personal favorite of her late husband. As the day progresses, she leans toward oolongs, while her evenings are typically reserved for the calming profiles of Jasmine Tea, Yellow & Blue, or Chamomile, a tisane that John Harney faithfully brought to her for many years.

The Second Generation: A Commitment to Expertise

Mike Harney, who currently serves as the company’s Vice President and Master Tea Buyer, represents the transition of the business into its second generation. After earning a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration from Cornell University and gaining experience managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago, Mike joined his father’s business in 1988. His role as Master Tea Buyer and blender requires a global perspective, as he spends much of his time traveling to meet with tea producers to source the finest harvests for Harney & Sons customers.

Mike’s deep knowledge of the industry culminated in his 2008 book, The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, which drew upon his years of experience as an official tea taster. For Mike, the challenge of selecting a single favorite tea is nearly impossible. Instead, he maintains a profound appreciation for "terroir"—the unique characteristics imparted to a tea by its specific environment, soil, and climate. His curated selections reflect this dedication to finding teas that offer an authentic expression of their origin.

Alongside Mike is his wife, Brigitte Harney, whose own path to the company is a testament to the serendipitous nature of the Harney story. Born in Suresnes, France, Brigitte arrived in the Connecticut area in 1977 to work as an au pair. Through a family connection, she met the Harneys, and after reconnecting with Mike during his internship in France, she became a permanent part of the family and the business. As a manager and buyer, Brigitte brings a refined European sensibility to the company. While she is the namesake of "Brigitte’s Blend," a sophisticated combination of silvery Ceylon and tippy, full-leaf Assam, her preferences shift with the seasons. She enjoys Supreme Breakfast tea for its robust profile, while favoring Panyang Congou or Thai Rooibos in the autumn and transitioning to first-flush Darjeeling, such as the Teesta Valley 1st Flush, when the weather warms.

The second generation also includes Mike’s younger brother, Paul Harney, who serves as a Vice President and acts as a primary engine for innovation within the firm. Paul was the visionary behind the company’s expansion into organic ready-to-drink teas and juices, and he played a crucial role in developing the signature pyramid sachet packaging. This design innovation allows whole-leaf tea more space to expand, facilitating a superior infusion compared to traditional tea bags. Furthermore, in 2018, Paul and Mike co-founded The Hemp Division, a sister company that leverages the Harney family’s expertise in premium botanicals to explore the growing market for legalized hemp products. Paul’s eclectic tastes are well-documented, with a particular fondness for "Horchata" tea—a blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon—which serves as a nod to his affinity for Mexican culture.

The Third Generation: Carrying the Torch

The family business has now entered its third generation, with Emeric Harney and Alex Harney playing pivotal roles in the company’s future. Emeric, son of Mike, grew up immersed in the tea trade. His early memories of the business include tasks as simple as peeling stickers for tea tins, eventually graduating to work in the company’s retail shop as a teenager. By 2010, Emeric had successfully launched the brand’s SoHo retail location, and since 2016, he has been instrumental in the company’s marketing efforts. Today, his responsibilities are diverse, spanning product development, brand management, and tea procurement. His current preferences reflect a modern palate, favoring the complex notes of Matcha iri Genmaicha in the morning and the earthy, structured profile of Panyang Congou in the afternoon.

Alex Harney, the oldest son of Mike, possesses a background that blends culinary arts with digital media. His early apprenticeship involved working directly with his grandfather, John, to scent tea with bergamot oil, a hands-on education in the delicate art of blending Earl Grey. Alex’s career path eventually led him to the culinary world; in 2005, when the company opened its Millerton location, he became the founder and executive chef of the Harney & Sons café, crafting a menu that ranged from soups and sandwiches to artisanal desserts. Today, Alex wears multiple hats as the Director of Film and Photography for the company. His personal tea preferences gravitate toward lightly oxidized oolongs, such as Dong Ding Light, Wenshan Baozhong, and Ali San, reflecting a sophisticated appreciation for tea that emphasizes clarity and nuance.

As the Harney family looks toward the future, there is a clear recognition that the business, like any living organism, must continue to grow and adapt. The members of the family who currently lead the company are acutely aware that their journey is far from over. Whether it is through the discovery of a new, rare tea harvest or the eventual introduction of the fourth generation to the family business, the Harneys remain committed to the core principles established in that basement in 1983. By continuing to source, sample, and blend with the same level of integrity that has defined them for decades, the family remains focused on their singular goal: providing exceptional teas that elevate the everyday experiences of their customers. For the Harneys, tea is more than a product—it is a legacy, a profession, and a continuous, evolving family conversation.