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

It has been over four decades since John Harney, guided by the expertise of English expatriate Stanley Mason, took a bold leap of faith. Operating out of the modest confines of his basement in 1983, John Harney laid the foundation for what would become an international standard-bearer for quality tea: Harney & Sons. Much has changed in the world of tea since those early days, yet as the company has grown from a domestic startup into a global brand, it has remained firmly anchored in its identity as a family-run enterprise. In fact, as the business navigates the complexities of the modern market, the family tree has only continued to flourish, with the "sons" of Harney & Sons now raising a new generation of their own.

Today, the Harney family remains the driving force behind every tin, sachet, and blend that leaves their facility. To understand the heart of the company, one must look at the individuals who continue to uphold the standards established by John Harney forty years ago. From the company’s inception to its current multifaceted operations, each member of the Harney clan brings a unique perspective, a specialized skill set, and a personal appreciation for the complex art of tea.

The Matriarch: Elyse Harney

At the helm of the organization sits Elyse Harney, the company’s president and the undeniable matriarch of the family. Born in North Bergen, New Jersey, Elizabeth G. "Elyse" Deublein’s journey toward the tea industry began long before the 1983 founding of the company. A 1952 graduate of St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn, her academic and professional journey has been marked by distinction—so much so that she is slated to return to her alma mater as the 2026 commencement speaker.

After pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University, she married John Harney in 1953. While she was instrumental in the founding of the tea company, her entrepreneurial spirit extended well beyond the world of leaves and infusions. In 1987, she earned her real estate license and founded Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE). At a critical juncture when the tea business was still finding its footing, her burgeoning real estate agency provided the necessary stability to support the family. Today, EHRE has evolved into a premier agency serving the tri-state area of Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The agency itself has become a multi-generational endeavor; her daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, stepped into 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, now on staff, the legacy of the Harney family’s work ethic is well-represented in the real estate sector as well.

Despite her wide-ranging professional responsibilities, Elyse remains deeply involved in the curated experience of the tea brand. Her personal favorites, featured in the "Elyse Harney’s Selects" collection, reflect a palate that values both traditional Japanese greens and soothing, late-day tisanes. Her mornings often begin with the delicate profile of Dragon Pearl Jasmine, Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, or Japanese Sencha. As the day wanes, she frequently turns to more mellow selections, such as classic Jasmine tea, the vibrant Yellow & Blue, or the chamomile that John Harney introduced to her years ago.

Continuing the Craft: Mike Harney

Representing the second generation, Mike Harney serves as the company’s Vice President and Master Tea Buyer. His path to the family business was paved with a rigorous education in hospitality management at Cornell University. Before returning to join his father in 1988, he gained vital experience managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago.

As the Master Tea Buyer and blender, Mike’s role is central to the company’s mission. It involves extensive global travel, engaging directly with tea producers to ensure that only the highest quality leaves reach the consumer. His expertise was distilled into his 2008 book, The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, which draws upon his years of sensory analysis and sampling. For Mike, the challenge of choosing a favorite tea is a testament to the diversity of the craft; he prefers teas that offer a clear expression of "terroir"—the unique environmental conditions that influence the flavor of the harvest. These expressions can be explored through his personal collection, "Mike Harney’s Selects."

A Global Connection: Brigitte Harney

The international reach of the Harney family is perhaps best exemplified by Brigitte Harney, a second-generation manager and buyer. Born in Suresnes, France, Brigitte first arrived in Connecticut in 1977. Through a chance encounter with the Harney family while visiting a friend, her life became inextricably linked with the future of the brand. After reconnecting with Mike during his internship in France, she became a vital part of both his life and the company’s operations.

Brigitte’s relationship with tea is highly intuitive, dictated by the rhythm of the seasons and her current mood. While the aptly named "Brigitte’s Blend"—a marriage of silvery Ceylon and full-leaf Assam—is a signature choice, she is equally drawn to the robust nature of Supreme Breakfast tea, which highlights tippy Assam and Hao Ya ‘B’ Keemun. Her seasonal preferences demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of tea; she favors Panyang Congou or Thai Rooibos during the crisp autumn months, shifting toward the delicate, bright notes of a first-flush Darjeeling, such as the Teesta Valley, as the weather warms.

Innovation and Development: Paul Harney

Also representing the second generation, Vice President Paul Harney has carved out a reputation as the firm’s resident innovator. His influence can be felt in some of the company’s most significant product developments, most notably the expansion into organic ready-to-drink teas and juices. Furthermore, he was the primary force behind the implementation of pyramid sachet packaging, a design choice that bridged the gap between the convenience of a tea bag and the superior quality of whole-leaf tea by allowing for optimal water circulation.

Paul’s forward-thinking approach also led to the 2018 launch of The Hemp Division, a sister company that leverages the family’s deep knowledge of premium botanicals to navigate the expanding market for legal hemp products. His personal tastes are as diverse as his business ventures; he is a particular fan of Horchata tea, a creative blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon bark that pays homage to his appreciation for Mexican culture.

The Next Generation: Emeric and Alex Harney

The third generation of the Harney family is already deeply integrated into the company’s day-to-day operations. Emeric Harney, the Marketing Director, has been part of the company culture since he was a child. Whether he was assisting in the retail shop as a young boy or developing his own successful blends like Apple Cinnamon and White Christmas, his trajectory toward a leadership role was organic. Since taking over marketing efforts in 2016, he has become a cornerstone of product development and brand management. His current preferences reflect a balanced day, starting with the invigorating Matcha iri Genmaicha and transitioning to the depth of Panyang Congou in the afternoon.

Similarly, Alex Harney’s earliest memories are steeped in the scent of bergamot oil, a product of working alongside his grandfather to craft the perfect Earl Grey. As he grew, his contributions to the company became more professional; he eventually founded and served as executive chef of the Millerton Café, where he was responsible for creating the menu of soups, sandwiches, and desserts. Today, Alex serves as the Director of Film and Photography, using his creative eye to shape the visual identity of the brand. A connoisseur of lightly oxidized oolongs, his personal favorites include Dong Ding Light, Wenshan Baozhong, and Ali San Oolong.

As the Harney family continues to expand, their collective commitment remains unchanged. They continue to travel, sample, and blend, maintaining the standards that John Harney set in his basement all those years ago. While the family structure evolves and new generations bring new ideas to the table, the core mission of Harney & Sons remains: to share the finest teas the world has to offer and to make every cup an exceptional experience. For now, the current crop of Harneys remains focused on the present, though they remain mindful that in the world of tea, there is always something new and unexpected just around the corner.