A Family Tradition: Four Decades of Growth at Harney & Sons

In the world of specialty beverages, few stories are as quintessential as that of Harney & Sons. It is a narrative that began in 1983 in the modest confines of a basement, where John Harney, guided by the expertise of English expatriate Stanley Mason, first began to craft what would become a global tea empire. Since those early days, the brand has navigated decades of industry shifts and internal growth, yet it remains firmly rooted in the same principles that defined its inception: a commitment to quality and the enduring strength of a family-run business. Today, the Harney family tree has branched out significantly, and the company stands as a testament to multi-generational collaboration, where the "sons" in Harney & Sons are now joined by a new generation of family members.

To understand the current trajectory of the company, one must look at the individuals who steer its daily operations. From the matriarch who helped lay the company’s foundation to the third generation now influencing brand strategy, the Harney clan represents a blend of tradition, innovation, and a shared passion for the perfect cup of tea.

The Matriarch: Elyse Harney

At the helm of the organization stands Elizabeth G. "Elyse" Deublein, the president and the undeniable matriarch of the Harney family. Born in North Bergen, New Jersey, Elyse graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn in 1952. Her academic journey continued at Columbia University, setting the stage for a life defined by professional excellence and family dedication. She married John Harney in February 1953, and together, they built more than just a family; they built a legacy.

Elyse’s influence extends far beyond the tea industry. In 1987, she earned her real estate license and founded Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE). During the company’s formative years, her real estate venture provided the critical stability needed to support the household while John navigated the nascent stages of the tea business. Today, EHRE has evolved into a powerhouse agency serving the tri-state region of Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The business has remained a family affair, with her daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, serving as the current owner and lead broker, joined by her husband, Scott, and their daughter, Brittany.

Despite her sprawling business interests, Elyse’s connection to the tea company remains personal and profound. Her palate for tea is as diverse as her professional resume. Her daily ritual often includes morning staples such as Dragon Pearl Jasmine, Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, or Japanese Sencha. As the day transitions, she shifts toward oolongs, eventually winding down with evening favorites like Jasmine, Yellow & Blue, or the soothing Chamomile—a tisane that John Harney brought home for her for many years. Her leadership and personal touch remain central to the company’s identity.

The Second Generation: Mike and Brigitte Harney

Following in the footsteps of his parents, Mike Harney serves as the Vice President and Master Tea Buyer. After earning a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration from Cornell University and gaining operational experience at the Richmont Hotel in Chicago, Mike officially joined the family firm in 1988. As the company’s primary tea blender and buyer, Mike’s role requires extensive international travel, where he works directly with tea producers to identify the unique "terroir" that defines a high-quality harvest.

Mike is also an accomplished author, having published The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea in 2008. The book serves as a distillation of the decades he has spent tasting and analyzing thousands of varieties of tea. For Mike, the challenge of selecting a single favorite is nearly impossible, as his preference is dictated by the specific characteristics of the leaf and the environment in which it was grown.

By his side is his wife, Brigitte Harney, whose own journey with the family began in 1977 when she arrived in Connecticut from Suresnes, France, as an au pair. A chance meeting with the Harney family during her time in the region eventually led to a reunion with Mike during his internship in France, cementing a partnership that has become integral to the company. Brigitte serves as a manager and buyer, bringing her own refined tastes to the brand. While she is famously associated with "Brigitte’s Blend"—a delicate combination of Ceylon and Assam—she is also a proponent of Supreme Breakfast, Panyang Congou, and Thai Rooibos, often adjusting her selection based on the shifting seasons and her own personal mood.

Innovation and Growth: Paul Harney

The company’s commitment to innovation is largely driven by Mike’s younger brother, Paul Harney, who also serves as a Vice President. Paul has been the architect behind several of the company’s most significant modern expansions. He spearheaded the development of the ready-to-drink line of organic teas and juices, as well as the implementation of pyramid sachet packaging. This design shift was a strategic move to provide the convenience of a tea bag while allowing enough space for whole-leaf tea to expand, ensuring a superior infusion.

Beyond tea, Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the 2018 founding of The Hemp Division, a sister company that leverages the Harney family’s expertise in sourcing premium botanicals to explore the burgeoning hemp market. His personal taste in tea is as eclectic as his business ventures; he is a particular fan of Horchata tea, a creative blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon bark that reflects his affinity 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 bringing fresh perspectives to marketing, product development, and creative direction.

Emeric Harney’s education in the business began in childhood, progressing from peeling stickers off tins at the age of four to working in the retail shop as a pre-teen. After successfully managing the company’s SoHo retail location, he transitioned into a marketing role in 2016. Today, he is involved in almost every facet of the operation, including product development and brand management. His contributions include the creation of popular blends such as Apple Cinnamon and White Christmas. His current favorites, such as Matcha iri Genmaicha and Panyang Congou, reflect a sophisticated understanding of tea’s versatility.

Alex Harney, the eldest son, represents another creative pillar of the family. His earliest memories are inextricably linked to the sensory experience of the tea business—specifically, working with his grandfather to blend Earl Grey by hand-soaking cotton balls in bergamot oil. As the founder and executive chef of the Millerton Café, which opened in 2005, Alex expanded the family’s reach into the culinary world. He currently serves as the Director of Film and Photography for Harney & Sons, documenting the brand’s visual identity. His palate leans toward lightly oxidized oolongs, with favorites including Dong Ding Light, Wenshan Baozhong, and Ali San Oolong.

Looking Toward the Future

As the Harney family continues to grow, the company remains dedicated to the core mission established over forty years ago. The business has evolved from a basement operation into a multi-generational enterprise that sources, blends, and distributes some of the world’s finest teas. While the specific faces and roles may change, the commitment to discovery—finding that next great, unexpected tea—remains the driving force.

For the Harneys, the business is more than a commercial endeavor; it is a shared history and a continuous project. As they look to the future, there is the quiet expectation that the next generation will eventually step into the fold, ensuring that the legacy of John and Elyse Harney continues to flourish. In the meantime, the family remains focused on the daily work of sourcing and blending, striving to make every cup of tea an exceptional experience for their customers. The story of Harney & Sons is far from finished, and with each passing season, the family finds new ways to honor their roots while embracing the future of the tea industry.