A Legacy Steeped in Tradition: The Evolving Story of the Harney & Sons Family

It has been over four decades since John Harney transformed a modest basement operation in 1983 into what would become a global institution in the tea industry. Guided by the expertise he gained from English tea merchant Stanley Mason, John laid the foundation for Harney & Sons, a company that has since become synonymous with quality, tradition, and innovation. While much has changed since those early days in the basement, the core of the business remains unchanged: it is, at its heart, a family enterprise. As the company continues to evolve, the "sons" in Harney & Sons now have sons of their own, representing a multi-generational commitment to the craft of tea. To understand where the company is headed, one must look at the people currently driving the mission forward—the Harney family members who manage everything from global sourcing to creative branding.

Elyse Harney: The Matriarch and Co-Founder

At the center of the Harney legacy is Elyse Harney, the company’s President and the matriarch of the family. Born in North Bergen, New Jersey, and a 1952 graduate of St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn, Elyse has been a pillar of the business since its inception. Her influence extends far beyond the boardroom; she is a foundational figure who balanced the demands of raising a family with the rigors of launching a startup. Her contributions to the business were officially recognized by her alma mater, which has invited her to return as their 2026 commencement speaker—a significant honor that highlights her enduring impact.

After marrying John Harney in 1953, Elyse pursued graduate studies at Columbia University before pivoting to help build the tea company. However, her entrepreneurial spirit was not confined to the tea industry. In 1987, she founded Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE). This venture proved vital, providing the financial stability necessary for the tea business to find its footing during its formative years. Over the decades, EHRE has grown into a premier agency serving the tri-state region of Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The real estate firm has itself become a family legacy; her daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, joined the agency in 2005 and currently serves as its lead broker and owner. With her husband, Scott, serving as an Operating Broker, and the inclusion of the next generation—their daughter, Brittany—the real estate firm stands as a parallel testament to the family’s business acumen.

For those curious about the personal palate of the company’s president, Elyse’s preferences are as diverse as the Harney & Sons catalog itself. Her morning rituals often involve the refined, delicate notes of Dragon Pearl Jasmine, the Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, or Japanese Sencha—the latter being a classic favorite she shared with her late husband. As the day transitions into the afternoon, she often turns to various oolongs, eventually winding down her evenings with soothing selections like Jasmine tea, the vibrant Yellow & Blue, or the ever-popular chamomile, a tisane that was a staple in the Harney household for years.

Mike Harney: Master Tea Buyer and Second-Generation Leadership

Following in his father’s footsteps, Mike Harney, the company’s Vice President and Master Tea Buyer, represents the second generation of leadership. His journey began with a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration from Cornell University. Before dedicating himself to the family business in 1988, he gained valuable industry experience managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago. Today, his role is pivotal; he travels the globe to meet directly with tea producers, ensuring that the company maintains its high standards by sourcing the finest leaves available.

Mike’s expertise is not merely internal; it is documented in his 2008 book, The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea. This publication was the culmination of years spent tasting and evaluating hundreds of varieties of tea, a process that solidified his deep understanding of "terroir"—the unique environmental factors that give a tea its specific character. Because of this extensive experience, Mike finds it challenging to name a single favorite tea. Instead, he gravitates toward selections that offer a pure expression of their origin. His curated collection, "Mike Harney’s Selects," reflects this dedication to authentic, environment-driven tea profiles.

Brigitte Harney: A Global Perspective on Blending

The international reach of the Harney family is bolstered by Brigitte Harney, a second-generation manager and buyer. Born in Suresnes, France, Brigitte’s connection to the family began in 1977 when she arrived in Connecticut as an au pair. It was during this time that she first met the Harneys, later reconnecting with Mike during his internship in France. Her background and keen palate have made her an integral part of the team.

Brigitte’s tastes are influenced heavily by the changing seasons and her current mood. While she is associated with "Brigitte’s Blend"—a sophisticated combination of silvery Ceylon and tippy, full-leaf Assam—she also holds a deep appreciation for Supreme Breakfast tea, which features the robust flavors of tippy Assam and Hao Ya ‘B’ Keemun. During the autumn months, she often opts for the rich, woody notes of Panyang Congou or the herbal warmth of Thai Rooibos. When spring returns and the weather turns mild, her preference shifts toward the bright, lively profile of a First Flush Darjeeling, such as the Teesta Valley harvest.

Paul Harney: The Innovator

As the company’s other Vice President, Paul Harney has carved out a reputation as the firm’s primary innovator. His focus on modernizing the brand has led to the development of the company’s successful line of organic, ready-to-drink teas and juices. Furthermore, Paul was instrumental in the implementation of pyramid sachet packaging. By utilizing a larger container for whole-leaf tea, these sachets allow for better water circulation around the leaves, resulting in a superior brew that maintains the convenience of a traditional tea bag.

Paul’s innovative spirit also led to the 2018 launch of The Hemp Division, a sister company that leverages the family’s deep knowledge of premium botanicals to explore the burgeoning market for hemp-based products. Despite his penchant for forward-thinking business strategies, Paul’s personal tastes remain grounded in tradition and personal interest. His love for Mexican culture, for instance, is reflected in his preference for Horchata tea—a unique blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon bark. Like his brother Mike, he maintains a curated selection of his own favorite teas, which serve as a window into his personal palate.

The Third Generation: Emeric and Alex Harney

The transition to the third generation is already well underway, with Emeric and Alex Harney taking on significant roles within the company. Emeric, serving as Marketing Director, has been involved with the family business since childhood, starting with humble tasks like peeling stickers off tea tins and working in the retail shop as a pre-teen. His growth within the company has been multifaceted; he successfully opened the SoHo retail location in 2010 and later moved into marketing, product development, and tea buying. His creative influence is evident in popular blends such as Apple Cinnamon and White Christmas. Currently, his daily routine often features a morning cup of Matcha iri Genmaicha followed by Panyang Congou in the afternoon.

Alex Harney, the eldest of the third generation, brings a diverse set of skills to his role as Content Director and Café Director. His earliest memories are inextricably linked to the craft of tea blending, having worked alongside his grandfather to infuse Earl Grey with bergamot oil. His creative contributions are perhaps most visible in the Millerton Café, which he founded and for which he serves as executive chef. Beyond his culinary responsibilities, Alex acts as the company’s director of film and photography, capturing the visual story of the brand. His personal tea preferences lean toward lightly oxidized oolongs, including Dong Ding Light, Wenshan Baozhong, and Ali San Oolong, reflecting a refined and nuanced taste.

As the Harney & Sons story continues to unfold, the family remains focused on the fundamentals that have defined them for over forty years: sourcing, sampling, blending, and sharing exceptional teas. While the family continues to grow and adapt to new challenges, the core mission remains as stable as the tea leaves themselves. For the Harneys, the future is as much about honoring the past as it is about discovering the next great blend, ensuring that their work continues to make the everyday lives of their customers a little more exceptional.