A Family Affair: Four Decades of Heritage and the Future of Harney & Sons

Since its humble beginnings in the basement of a family home in 1983, Harney & Sons has evolved from a small-scale passion project into a global name in the tea industry. Founded by John Harney—who first honed his expertise under the mentorship of English expat Stanley Mason—the company has remained remarkably consistent in its core philosophy. While decades have passed and the business has navigated the complexities of international trade and shifting consumer tastes, the heart of the operation remains a deeply personal family enterprise. Today, that legacy is more vibrant than ever, with a new generation of Harneys stepping into leadership roles, ensuring that the company’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship persists.

The story of Harney & Sons is not just about the tea in the cup; it is about the people who source, blend, and curate it. To understand the trajectory of the brand, one must look at the individuals who have steered the ship since the early days.

The Matriarch: Elyse Harney

At the helm of the organization is the company president and family matriarch, Elizabeth G. "Elyse" Deublein Harney. A native of North Bergen, New Jersey, and a 1952 graduate of Brooklyn’s St. Joseph’s University, Elyse’s influence on the company is foundational. Her contributions go far beyond her executive title; she was a co-founder of the business in 1983, working alongside her husband, John, to build the brand from the ground up.

Elyse’s impact on the family and the local business community extends well beyond the tea leaves. In 1987, she earned her real estate license and founded Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE). During the critical early years of the tea company, her success in the real estate sector provided the necessary financial stability to allow John to focus on the expansion of Harney & Sons. Today, EHRE stands as a premier agency across the tri-state region of Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The tradition of excellence has continued into the next generation; her daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, serves as the firm’s lead broker and owner, while her husband, Scott, and their daughter, Brittany, have also joined the agency.

For Elyse, the ritual of tea remains a daily anchor. Her personal favorites, often highlighted in the "Elyse Harney’s Selects" collection, reflect a refined palate. She typically begins her mornings with Dragon Pearl Jasmine, Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, or Japanese Sencha—the latter being a long-standing favorite of her late husband. Her afternoons are often reserved for oolongs, while her evenings are frequently rounded out by Jasmine tea, the soothing Yellow & Blue blend, or traditional chamomile, a tisane John Harney provided for her for many years. Her ongoing connection to her alma mater, St. Joseph’s, remains strong as well, with the university recently inviting her to serve as their 2026 commencement speaker.

The Second Generation: Expertise and Innovation

As the company has matured, the second generation of the Harney family has taken on the mantle of leadership, bringing new perspectives while honoring the traditions established by their parents.

Mike Harney, the company’s Vice President and Master Tea Buyer, represents the continuity of the brand’s technical expertise. After graduating from Cornell University with a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration, Mike initially managed the Richmont Hotel in Chicago. He joined the family business in 1988, bringing a professional rigor that has helped define the company’s growth. As the Master Tea Buyer and blender, Mike’s role requires extensive international travel, where he fosters relationships with tea producers worldwide to ensure the quality of the company’s offerings. His depth of knowledge is documented in his 2008 book, The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, which serves as a testament to the thousands of tastings he has performed over his career. Mike’s philosophy is rooted in the concept of "terroir"—the idea that a tea’s flavor should be an authentic reflection of the environment in which it was grown.

By Mike’s side is his wife, Brigitte Harney, who serves as a Manager and Buyer. Born in Suresnes, France, Brigitte’s path to the tea business began when she arrived in the Connecticut area as an au pair in 1977. Through a family connection, she met the Harneys, and after reconnecting with Mike during his internship in France, she became an integral part of the Harney & Sons story. Her personal preferences are often influenced by the season and her current mood, favoring blends like the eponymous "Brigitte’s Blend"—a sophisticated combination of silvery Ceylon and tippy, full-leaf Assam—or the robust Supreme Breakfast tea. Depending on the time of year, she oscillates between the comfort of Panyang Congou or Thai Rooibos in the autumn, and the delicate, fresh notes of a 1st Flush Darjeeling when the weather warms.

Rounding out the second-generation leadership is Paul Harney, who also serves as a Vice President. If Mike is the traditionalist, Paul is the firm’s innovator. He has been the driving force behind several of the company’s modern expansions, including the line of organic ready-to-drink teas and juices. He was also instrumental in the development of the pyramid sachet packaging, a design that bridges the gap between the convenience of a traditional tea bag and the performance of whole-leaf tea by allowing for superior water flow. Beyond tea, Paul co-founded The Hemp Division in 2018, leveraging the family’s expertise in premium botanicals to enter the burgeoning market for hemp-based products. His eclectic tastes are best exemplified by his love for the "Horchata" tea—a unique blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon that reflects his deep appreciation for Mexican culture.

The Third Generation: A Legacy in Motion

The commitment to the business has now reached the third generation, ensuring that the Harney name remains synonymous with the tea industry for years to come.

Emeric Harney, the company’s Marketing Director, has been immersed in the business since childhood. From peeling stickers for tea tins at age four to working in the retail shop as a pre-teen, his upbringing was effectively a masterclass in brand operations. His contributions have been significant, ranging from the creation of popular blends like Apple Cinnamon and White Christmas to the successful management of the SoHo retail location in 2010. Since 2016, his focus has shifted toward marketing and brand management, where he continues to influence product development. His current preferences lean toward the complexity of Matcha iri Genmaicha in the morning and the earthy depth of Panyang Congou in the afternoon.

Finally, Alex Harney, the eldest son of the third generation, serves as the company’s Content Director and Café Director. His early memories are inextricably linked to the craft of blending, specifically recalling his work with his grandfather as they infused Earl Grey tea with bergamot oil. His creativity has found a home in the company’s Millerton Café, where he serves as founder and executive chef, curating menus that have become a destination in their own right. Beyond the kitchen, Alex directs the company’s film and photography efforts, shaping the visual identity of the brand. As an aficionado of lightly oxidized oolongs, he often selects teas like Dong Ding Light, Wenshan Baozhong, and Ali San Oolong for his own collection.

Looking Ahead

The Harney & Sons story is a testament to the power of shared values and the resilience of a family-run enterprise. While the faces in the office may evolve and the product lines may adapt to new generations of tea drinkers, the core objective remains unchanged: to source, sample, and blend the world’s finest teas. As the family looks to the future, they remain open to the unexpected opportunities that lie ahead, fully aware that in the world of tea, there is always a new discovery to be made. For now, the current crop of Harneys remains dedicated to the meticulous work that makes an everyday cup of tea feel like an exceptional experience.