A Family Steeped in Tradition: The Generations Behind Harney & Sons

In the world of specialty tea, few names carry the weight and warmth of Harney & Sons. What began as a humble operation in the basement of a family home in 1983 has blossomed into a global tea powerhouse. Yet, despite the company’s massive growth and international reach, it remains a quintessential family business. The story of Harney & Sons is not merely one of sourcing and blending leaves; it is a multi-generational saga of shared values, evolving roles, and a collective passion for the art of tea.

The roots of the company trace back to John Harney, who honed his craft under the tutelage of Stanley Mason, an English expat with a deep knowledge of the trade. Since those early days in a residential basement, much has changed, but the core identity of the business has remained remarkably consistent. As the company has matured, so too has the family tree. The "sons" in Harney & Sons are now fathers themselves, and the next generation of Harneys is already actively shaping the future of the brand. To understand the essence of this legacy, one must look at the individuals who keep the kettles boiling.

The Matriarch: Elyse Harney

At the helm of the Harney legacy is Elizabeth G. "Elyse" Deublein, the company’s president and the matriarch of the family. A native of North Bergen, New Jersey, Elyse graduated from Brooklyn’s St. Joseph’s University in 1952. Her connection to the institution remains strong to this day, as she has been invited to serve as their 2026 commencement speaker—a testament to her enduring influence and success.

Following her graduate studies at Columbia University, Elyse married John Harney in February 1953. While she was a vital co-founder of the tea company alongside her husband, her entrepreneurial spirit led her down other successful paths as well. In 1987, she founded Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE). At the time, this secondary venture provided essential financial stability for the household, allowing the fledgling tea business the room it needed to grow. EHRE has since evolved into a premier real estate agency serving the tri-state region of Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts.

The real estate business has also become a family affair, illustrating the Harney propensity for professional collaboration. Elyse’s daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, joined the firm in 2005 and currently serves as its lead broker and owner. Her husband, Scott, acts as an operating broker, and their daughter, Brittany, has recently joined the staff, ensuring that the legacy of excellence extends to a third generation in the real estate sector.

For Elyse, tea is a daily ritual. Her personal preferences are diverse, often dictated by the rhythm of the day. Her morning routine frequently features Dragon Pearl Jasmine, Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, or Japanese Sencha. As the afternoon wanes, she often turns to various oolongs, while her evenings are reserved for soothing options like Jasmine tea, the vibrant Yellow & Blue, or the classic Chamomile—a staple her husband, John, brought home for her for many years.

The Second Generation: Carrying the Torch

Mike Harney, the Vice President and Master Tea Buyer, represents the second generation of leadership. After earning a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration from Cornell University and managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago, Mike joined the family firm in 1988. Today, his role is pivotal; as the company’s Master Tea Buyer and blender, he travels the globe to meet with producers, ensuring that the quality and integrity of the tea remain at the highest level.

Mike’s expertise is not just held in his palate, but in his commitment to education. In 2008, he authored The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, a work born from years of sampling and analyzing hundreds of tea varieties. For Mike, the challenge of choosing a favorite tea is a constant one. He prefers selections that demonstrate "terroir"—the unique characteristics imparted by the environment in which the tea is grown.

Alongside Mike is his wife, Brigitte Harney, who serves as a Manager and Buyer. Her journey to the Harney family began in Suresnes, France. After moving to Connecticut in 1977 to work as an au pair, she met the Harney family through a friend. Years later, while Mike was completing an internship in France, the two reconnected, and they have been partners in life and business ever since.

Brigitte’s taste in tea is reflective of her mood and the changing seasons. While she is fond of "Brigitte’s Blend"—a delicate mix of silvery Ceylon and tippy, full-leaf Assam—and the robust Supreme Breakfast tea, her preferences shift throughout the year. As autumn arrives, she gravitates toward Panyang Congou or Thai Rooibos, while the warmer months see her reaching for a First Flush Darjeeling, such as the Teesta Valley First Flush.

Paul Harney, Mike’s younger brother and the company’s other Vice President, brings a spirit of innovation to the family firm. Paul is the visionary behind the company’s line of organic ready-to-drink teas and juices. He was also instrumental in the development of the company’s pyramid sachet packaging, a design that bridges the gap between the convenience of a traditional tea bag and the superior quality of whole-leaf tea by allowing the leaves more room to expand and release their flavor.

Furthermore, Paul played a leading role in the 2018 launch of The Hemp Division, a sister company that applies the Harney family’s deep expertise in premium botanicals to the burgeoning field of legal hemp products. Like his brother, Paul is difficult to pin down to a single favorite tea, though he holds a special affinity for the company’s Horchata tea—a unique blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon bark that pays homage to his appreciation for Mexican culture.

The Third Generation: Building the Future

The third generation of the Harney family is already deeply embedded in the daily operations of the company. Mike’s son, Emeric Harney, the Marketing Director, was practically raised in the tea business. His journey began at the age of four, when he assisted by peeling labels for tea tins. By his early teens, he was working in the retail shop, handling everything from gift wrapping to customer transactions.

Emeric’s contributions have evolved significantly over the years. He was responsible for creating popular blends such as Apple Cinnamon and White Christmas, and in 2010, he spearheaded the opening of the company’s successful SoHo retail store. Since 2016, his focus has been on marketing, where he oversees brand management, product development, and procurement. His current preferences include a refreshing cup of Matcha iri Genmaicha in the morning and the depth of Panyang Congou in the afternoon.

Alex Harney, the oldest of the third generation, serves as both Content Director and Café Director. His early memories are inextricably linked to his grandfather, John Harney, with whom he would blend Earl Grey, carefully soaking cotton balls in bergamot oil to infuse the leaves. As he grew, Alex took on more responsibility, conducting tea tastings and eventually managing the family’s Millerton café, which opened in 2005. As the executive chef, he developed a wide array of recipes, from soups and sandwiches to desserts. Today, he also serves as the director of film and photography for the company, documenting the brand’s story. His personal tea collection favors lightly oxidized oolongs, including Dong Ding Light, Wenshan Baozhong, Ali San Oolong, Qing Ti Quan Yin, and Genmaicha.

As the Harney family looks toward the future, the cycle of growth and discovery continues. The tea business has taught them that the industry is constantly evolving, with new opportunities and challenges appearing around every corner. While the current lineup of Harneys is busy sourcing, sampling, and blending the finest teas from around the world, there is always the sense that the next chapter is already being written. In a few years, it may well be time to introduce a new generation of family members who will continue the Harney tradition of making the everyday a little more exceptional.