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

The story of Harney & Sons is one of humble beginnings, familial bonds, and an enduring commitment to the art of tea. It is a narrative that began in 1983, when John Harney, guided by the expertise of English expatriate Stanley Mason, transformed a basement in his family home into the epicenter of a burgeoning tea business. What started as a modest local endeavor has blossomed over the decades into an internationally recognized brand, yet at its heart, the company remains firmly rooted in the values of a family-run enterprise. As the business has matured, the family tree has flourished alongside it, with the children—and now the grandchildren—of the founders stepping into pivotal roles that define the company’s trajectory today.

To understand the present, one must look at the foundation laid by the company’s matriarch, Elizabeth G. "Elyse" Deublein Harney. Born in North Bergen, New Jersey, and a proud alumna of Brooklyn’s St. Joseph’s University, Elyse has been the steady hand at the helm of the Harney clan since marrying John Harney in 1953. Her contributions extend far beyond her role as a co-founder of the tea company. In 1987, she expanded her professional reach by establishing Elyse Harney Real Estate, a venture that provided essential stability during the early, formative years of the tea business. Today, her real estate firm stands as a pillar of the tri-state region, serving Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The legacy of this secondary business is now firmly established in the next generation, as her daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, serves as the firm’s lead broker and owner, working alongside her husband, Scott, and their daughter, Brittany. For Elyse, the dedication to excellence in business is a lifelong pursuit; her stature as a leader is further cemented by the honor of being invited to return to her alma mater, St. Joseph’s University, as the 2026 commencement speaker.

For those curious about the palate of the matriarch, Elyse’s preferences offer a window into her daily rhythms. Her curated collection, known as "Elyse Harney’s Selects," reflects a sophisticated appreciation for the versatility of tea. Her mornings often begin with the delicate notes of Dragon Pearl Jasmine, the revitalizing qualities of Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, or the crisp, grassy profile of Japanese Sencha—a variety that was also a personal favorite of her late husband. As the day transitions into the afternoon, she often leans toward oolongs, while her evenings are reserved for calming, caffeine-free infusions such as Jasmine, the floral Yellow & Blue blend, or traditional chamomile, a tisane that the family patriarch famously kept in stock for her throughout their years together.

The second generation of Harney & Sons is led by Mike Harney, who serves as the company’s Vice President and Master Tea Buyer. Following his graduation from Cornell University with a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration, Mike honed his professional skills managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago. He officially joined his father’s business in 1988, marking a transition that would eventually see him take on the critical role of sourcing and blending. His work takes him across the globe, where he meets with tea producers to ensure the quality and authenticity of the brand’s offerings. Mike’s deep knowledge of the trade culminated in the 2008 publication of The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, a work born from years of sampling and analyzing thousands of tea varieties. For Mike, the concept of "terroir"—the environmental factors that give a tea its unique character—is the guiding principle of his work. His personal selections emphasize these distinct regional identities, reflecting a lifetime of sensory experience.

Integral to the family narrative is Brigitte Harney, Mike’s wife, who serves as a manager and buyer for the company. Originally from Suresnes, France, Brigitte arrived in Connecticut in 1977 for an au pair position. A chance encounter with the Harney family during her time in the region eventually led to her marriage to Mike, weaving her into the fabric of the business. Her influence is present in "Brigitte’s Blend," a sophisticated mix of silvery Ceylon and tippy, full-leaf Assam. Her preferences are as seasonal as the crops themselves; while she appreciates the robust profile of Supreme Breakfast tea, her choices frequently shift based on the weather. In the cool of autumn, she might reach for the rich notes of Panyang Congou or Thai Rooibos, while the arrival of spring invites the delicate, fresh character of a First Flush Darjeeling.

The leadership team is further strengthened by Paul Harney, the younger brother of Mike and a fellow Vice President. Paul is recognized within the company as a primary engine for innovation. He has been instrumental in modernizing the brand’s reach, spearheading the development of organic ready-to-drink beverages and the introduction of pyramid sachet packaging. The latter was a significant advancement, designed to provide the convenience of a traditional tea bag while allowing enough room for whole-leaf tea to unfurl, thereby improving the infusion process. Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit also led to the 2018 launch of The Hemp Division, a sister company that leverages the family’s long-standing expertise in premium botanicals to explore the emerging market for hemp-derived products. His personal tastes lean toward the eclectic, with a particular fondness for Horchata tea—a unique blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon that pays homage to his appreciation for Mexican flavors.

The transition to the third generation is already well underway, marked by the active roles played by Mike’s sons, Emeric and Alex. Emeric Harney, the current Marketing Director, represents a lifelong immersion in the tea trade. His involvement began as a child, performing small tasks like labeling tins, before working in the retail shop as a teenager. His path to leadership included a successful stint opening the company’s SoHo location in 2010. Today, his influence spans the company’s operations, from product development and brand management to the intricacies of global tea buying. His creative contributions include the development of popular blends like Apple Cinnamon and White Christmas. His current morning routine often features Matcha iri Genmaicha, while his afternoons frequently call for the classic, refined character of Panyang Congou.

Alex Harney, the eldest son of the third generation, serves as the company’s Content Director and Café Director. His earliest memories are tied to the craft of blending, recalling childhood days spent with his grandfather, John Harney, learning the precise technique of scenting Earl Grey tea with bergamot oil. As he matured, Alex expanded his role within the company, conducting tea tastings and eventually taking the lead on the culinary front. When the company moved its retail operations to Millerton in 2005, Alex became the founder and executive chef of the onsite café, designing a menu that ranges from artisanal soups to desserts. Beyond his culinary responsibilities, he acts as the director of film and photography, capturing the visual identity of the brand. His personal tea preferences reflect a deep affinity for lightly oxidized oolongs, such as Dong Ding Light, Wenshan Baozhong, and Ali San Oolong, as well as the savory, toasted notes of Genmaicha.

The Harney family, much like the teas they source, continues to evolve and develop over time. While the current leadership structure is defined by the efforts of these individuals, the nature of a family business suggests that the story is far from complete. The combination of historical reverence and a forward-looking approach to product innovation has allowed Harney & Sons to maintain its identity as a family enterprise while navigating the complexities of a global market. For the Harneys, the process of sourcing, sampling, and blending remains a continuous journey, one that they hope brings a sense of the exceptional to their customers’ daily lives. As the family grows and new generations prepare to contribute their own perspectives, the commitment to quality established by John and Elyse in that basement over forty years ago remains the guiding force for all that follows.