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

The story of Harney & Sons is one of humble beginnings, persistence, and a shared devotion to the art of tea. It began in 1983, when John Harney, guided by the expertise of English expatriate Stanley Mason, transformed his home’s basement into the headquarters for what would become an iconic tea enterprise. Decades later, the business has grown far beyond those original walls, yet it remains anchored by the same family values that defined its inception. While the brand has scaled globally, the "Sons" in Harney & Sons have now grown to include a new generation, proving that this family-run venture is as much a multi-generational legacy as it is a premier purveyor of fine teas.

To understand the enduring nature of the company, one must look at the individuals who drive it. The Harney family is a diverse group of entrepreneurs, blenders, and creators, each playing a vital role in the company’s evolution. From the matriarch who helped lay the foundation to the grandchildren who are now steering its digital and culinary future, the Harneys remain deeply involved in every facet of the business.

The Matriarch: Elyse Harney

At the heart of the family is Elyse Harney, the company’s president and a foundational figure in the Harney clan. Born in North Bergen, New Jersey, Elizabeth G. "Elyse" Deublein’s journey toward the tea business began long before the first tin was filled. A 1952 graduate of Brooklyn’s St. Joseph’s University, her academic and professional life has been marked by a commitment to excellence. Her contributions to the family were recognized in a special way this year, as her alma mater invited her to serve as their 2026 commencement speaker.

Following her studies at Columbia University, she married John Harney in 1953. Together, they raised four sons and a daughter, balancing the demands of family life with the entrepreneurial spirit required to launch a business in 1983. However, Elyse’s influence was not limited to the tea trade. In 1987, she founded Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE), a firm that became a vital financial pillar during the early, lean years of the tea business. Today, EHRE stands as a premier real estate agency across the tri-state region of Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The legacy of this second venture has also become a family affair; her daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, joined the firm in 2005 and currently serves as its lead broker and owner. With her husband, Scott, acting as an operating broker and their daughter, Brittany, also employed by the agency, the family’s entrepreneurial reach continues to expand across generations.

When it comes to tea, Elyse possesses a refined palate that reflects a lifetime of exploration. Her personal preferences are showcased in the "Elyse Harney’s Selects" collection. Her morning ritual often involves lighter, refreshing profiles such as Dragon Pearl Jasmine, Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, or Japanese Sencha—the latter being a favorite she shared with her late husband. As the day progresses, she transitions toward the nuanced depths of oolongs, typically concluding her evenings with the soothing qualities of Jasmine Tea, Yellow & Blue, or chamomile, a long-standing staple in the Harney household.

The Second Generation: Expertise and Innovation

Mike Harney, Vice President and Master Tea Buyer, represents the second generation of leadership. Following a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration from Cornell University and a tenure managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago, Mike joined his father’s company in 1988. His role is instrumental to the brand’s quality; as the Master Tea Buyer, he travels extensively, cultivating relationships with tea producers globally to ensure that only the finest leaves reach the customer. In 2008, he authored "The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea," a distillation of his extensive experience as a professional taster. For Mike, the appeal of tea lies in "terroir"—the unique characteristics imparted to the leaf by the environment in which it is grown. His current favorites are available through "Mike Harney’s Selects," though he notes that his palate is constantly evolving with every new discovery.

Supporting the mission is Brigitte Harney, a second-generation manager and buyer. Born in Suresnes, France, Brigitte’s path to the Harney family was serendipitous. After arriving in Connecticut in 1977 to work as an au pair, she met the Harney family through a friend of her mother’s. Her professional and personal partnership with Mike has been a cornerstone of the business ever since. Brigitte’s tea preferences are as varied as the seasons. While she is the namesake of "Brigitte’s Blend"—a sophisticated combination of silvery Ceylon and tippy, full-leaf Assam—she also favors the robust profile of Supreme Breakfast tea. Her choices are often dictated by the calendar; as autumn arrives, she gravitates toward Panyang Congou or Thai Rooibos, while the arrival of spring sees her reaching for a First Flush Darjeeling, such as the Teesta Valley First Flush.

Also serving as a Vice President is Paul Harney, whose innovative spirit has been a catalyst for the company’s diversification. Paul has been the driving force behind several modern initiatives, most notably the company’s line of organic ready-to-drink teas and juices. He was also instrumental in the development of the pyramid sachet packaging, which allows for the infusion of whole-leaf tea with the convenience of a traditional bag. Beyond tea, Paul helped launch "The Hemp Division" in 2018, a brother company that leverages the family’s long-standing expertise in premium botanicals to explore the world of legalized hemp. Paul’s personal tastes reflect a worldly curiosity, with a particular fondness for Horchata tea, a unique blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon bark that speaks to his appreciation for Mexican culinary traditions.

The Third Generation: Continuity and Craft

The third generation is already deeply embedded in the day-to-day operations of the company, bringing with them a modern perspective while honoring the traditions established by their grandparents. Emeric Harney, the current Marketing Director, began his "apprenticeship" at the age of four, when he assisted with the simple task of peeling stickers for tea tins. By his early teens, he was working in the retail shop, gaining hands-on experience in every aspect of customer service.

Emeric’s journey has been defined by his versatility. He has contributed to product development, blended popular items like Apple Cinnamon and White Christmas, and managed the successful launch of the company’s SoHo retail location. Since 2016, he has overseen the brand’s marketing efforts, ensuring the company’s voice remains resonant in an increasingly digital landscape. His current preferences, often featured in "Emeric Harney’s Selects," highlight a balanced approach to the day, with Matcha iri Genmaicha serving as a morning staple and the earthy notes of Panyang Congou favored for the afternoon.

Alex Harney, the Content Director and Café Director, possesses perhaps the most nostalgic connection to the company’s earliest days. He recalls his childhood spent alongside his grandfather, John, blending Earl Grey by hand-soaking cotton balls with bergamot oil to scent the leaves. This hands-on education continued as he grew older, conducting tea tastings and eventually taking the lead in the company’s culinary ventures. When the retail store moved to Millerton in 2005, Alex spearheaded the creation of the Millerton Café, where he served as founder and executive chef, curating a menu that ranged from artisanal soups to desserts. Today, he channels his creativity into his role as the company’s director of film and photography, capturing the visual story of the brand. Alex’s personal collection, "Alex Harney’s Selects," highlights his affinity for lightly oxidized oolongs, such as Dong Ding Light, Wenshan Baozhong, and Ali San Oolong, along with the distinct, savory profile of Genmaicha.

Looking Toward the Future

The story of the Harney family is one of constant motion. From the basement in 1983 to a global presence that reaches tea lovers in every corner of the world, the business has thrived by staying true to its roots while embracing the necessity of growth. The current generation recognizes that, much like the tea they source and blend, the family itself is a living entity, constantly changing and finding new ways to adapt.

While the family members have their own distinct responsibilities and professional focus areas, they are united by a common goal: to provide an exceptional experience for every customer who enjoys a cup of their tea. As the company continues to source, sample, and blend, they remain committed to the principles established by John and Elyse Harney over forty years ago. Whether it is through the development of new, innovative products or the meticulous preservation of traditional blending methods, the Harneys are looking ahead to what comes next. With the family continuing to grow, there is every expectation that the next chapter of the Harney story will be just as vibrant as the ones that preceded it. For now, the focus remains on the craft, the community, and the shared belief that a great cup of tea can make any day a little more exceptional.