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

The story of Harney & Sons is one of humble beginnings, persistent innovation, and the enduring strength of a family enterprise. It began in the quiet confines of a basement in 1983, when John Harney, guided by the mentorship of English tea expert Stanley Mason, embarked on a journey that would eventually redefine the American tea experience. While the company has seen decades of growth and transformation since those early days, its heart remains firmly rooted in the values established at its inception. Today, the Harney name is synonymous with quality and heritage, and remarkably, the family’s involvement has only deepened over time—to the point where the “sons” in Harney & Sons are now watching the next generation of Harneys take their place in the family business.

To understand the trajectory of this iconic tea company, one must look at the individuals who have steered the ship. It is not merely a corporate structure; it is a collaborative effort involving multiple generations, each contributing their unique skills and passions to ensure that the Harney & Sons legacy remains vibrant and relevant in a changing market.

Elyse Harney: The Matriarch and Co-Founder

At the helm of the organization is the family matriarch, Elizabeth G. “Elyse” Deublein. Her story is one of intellect and grit. Born in North Bergen, New Jersey, Elyse graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn in 1952. Her academic achievements continue to resonate today, as the university has invited her back to serve as their 2026 commencement speaker—a testament to her lasting influence.

Following her graduate studies at Columbia University and her marriage to John Harney in February 1953, Elyse became a foundational pillar for both her family and her business. Beyond raising four sons and a daughter, she was instrumental in the 1983 launch of Harney & Sons. Recognizing the need for stability during the company’s infancy, she also earned her real estate license in 1987, founding Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE). This venture grew into a powerhouse in the tri-state region of Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts, providing the financial security necessary for John to cultivate the burgeoning tea business.

The entrepreneurial spirit is clearly hereditary. Today, the real estate firm is managed by Elyse’s daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, who serves as the lead broker and owner. With her husband, Scott, serving as an operating broker, and their daughter, Brittany, also working for the firm, the real estate business reflects the same multi-generational commitment found at the tea company.

Elyse’s personal relationship with tea is as nuanced as her career. Her personal collection, known as “Elyse Harney’s Selects,” reflects a lifetime of appreciation. Her morning rituals often feature Dragon Pearl Jasmine, Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, or Japanese Sencha. As the day progresses, she leans into the complexity of oolongs, typically concluding her evenings with Jasmine Tea, the classic Yellow & Blue, or chamomile, the latter being a tisane that her husband, John, gifted her for many years.

Mike Harney: Master Tea Buyer and Second-Generation Leadership

As a second-generation leader, Mike Harney has played a pivotal role in the global expansion of the brand. After graduating from Cornell University with a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration, Mike spent time managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago. He officially joined his father’s company in 1988.

As Vice President and Master Tea Buyer, Mike is responsible for the company’s global sourcing. His role involves extensive travel, meeting directly with producers to ensure the quality and integrity of the tea leaves. This deep, hands-on knowledge culminated in his 2008 publication, The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, a work born from years of sampling and evaluating hundreds of varieties. For Mike, the concept of “terroir”—the way a tea reflects its natural growing environment—is paramount. His personal favorites, curated in “Mike Harney’s Selects,” favor those unique expressions of place that define a truly great harvest.

Brigitte Harney: Global Perspective and Refined Palate

The international reach of the Harney family is further bolstered by Brigitte Harney, who was born in Suresnes, France. Her path to the company is a story of serendipity; she arrived in the Connecticut area in 1977 to work as an au pair and met the Harney family while visiting a friend of her mother’s. Her reconnection with Mike during his internship in France solidified their partnership.

Brigitte serves as a manager and buyer, bringing a European sensibility to the brand. While she is the namesake of the popular “Brigitte’s Blend,” which combines silvery Ceylon and tippy, full-leaf Assam, her tastes are fluid, shifting with the seasons and her own moods. She is a frequent consumer of Supreme Breakfast, a blend featuring tippy Assam and Hao Ya ‘B’ Keemun. During the autumn months, she might favor Panyang Congou or Thai Rooibos, while the arrival of spring often sees her turning to a first-flush Darjeeling, such as the Teesta Valley selection.

Paul Harney: The Innovator

Paul Harney, the second of the brothers serving as Vice President, has been the primary architect of the brand’s modern innovation. His foresight led to the creation of the company’s line of organic ready-to-drink teas and juices, as well as the transition to the pyramid sachet. This packaging choice was a strategic move to provide the convenience of a traditional tea bag while allowing enough room for whole-leaf tea to expand and infuse, thereby elevating the at-home tea experience.

Paul’s interest in high-quality botanicals also led to the 2018 launch of The Hemp Division, a sister company that explores the intersection of premium teas and legalized hemp. His personal preferences often reflect a broader, more adventurous palate; he is particularly fond of the company’s Horchata tea, a blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon bark that pays homage to his appreciation for Mexican flavors.

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 responsibilities. Emeric Harney, the current Marketing Director, was practically raised in the business. From his childhood days of peeling stickers for tea tins to his work in the retail shop at age 11, his involvement has been constant. In 2010, he successfully launched the company’s SoHo retail location before transitioning into marketing. Today, his portfolio is broad, spanning product development, brand management, and tea buying. His current preferences reflect a sophisticated balance, moving from Matcha iri Genmaicha in the morning to the depth of Panyang Congou in the afternoon.

Alex Harney, serving as Content Director and Café Director, brings a creative and culinary perspective to the firm. His earliest memories involve working with his grandfather to scent tea leaves with bergamot oil for Earl Grey. After years of conducting tea tastings and gaining retail experience, Alex moved into the culinary side of the business, becoming the founder and executive chef of the Millerton Café. He is responsible for the café’s menu, which ranges from soups and sandwiches to desserts, while also overseeing the company’s film and photography production. His tea preferences highlight a distinct appreciation for lightly oxidized oolongs, including varieties like Dong Ding Light, Wenshan Baozhong, and Ali San Oolong.

Looking Toward the Future

The current composition of the Harney & Sons team is a testament to the family’s ability to evolve while maintaining the core principles established in that basement four decades ago. As the business continues to source, sample, and blend the finest teas from around the world, the family remains focused on making every cup an exceptional experience for their customers.

While the current roster of Harneys is busy navigating the challenges of the modern market, the nature of a family business suggests that there is always potential for growth. The history of the company is defined by the unexpected, and as the family continues to expand, it is likely that the next generation will eventually step forward to continue the work. For now, the Harneys remain committed to their mission, grounded in the knowledge that while tea is a simple commodity to some, it represents a deep, long-standing family tradition that they are proud to share with the world.