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

The story of Harney & Sons is not merely a chronicle of global tea commerce; it is, at its core, a quintessential family narrative. It began in 1983, in the quiet, unassuming setting of a basement, where John Harney—having been mentored by English expatriate Stanley Mason—first embarked on a mission to bring high-quality tea to a broader audience. Decades later, that humble domestic startup has evolved into a global brand, yet the company remains tethered to its roots. As the Harney family tree continues to branch out, the business has successfully transitioned from a husband-and-wife endeavor into a multi-generational enterprise. Today, the "Sons" in Harney & Sons is more than a name; it is a literal descriptor of a lineage that now sees the third generation taking active roles in the company’s future.

The Matriarch: Elyse Harney

To understand the heartbeat of the company, one must look to its president and matriarch, Elizabeth G. "Elyse" Deublein. Born in North Bergen, New Jersey, and a 1952 graduate of Brooklyn’s St. Joseph’s University, Elyse has been a pillar of the organization since its inception. Her influence on the brand is foundational, having co-founded the business alongside her husband, John, just over forty years ago. Her contributions to the family’s legacy were recently honored by her alma mater, which has invited her to serve as the 2026 commencement speaker—a testament to her enduring professional impact and personal character.

Beyond her pivotal role in the tea industry, Elyse proved to be a formidable entrepreneur in her own right. In 1987, she obtained her real estate license and founded Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE). During the lean early years of the tea business, her success in real estate provided the essential stability required to allow John to grow Harney & Sons into the powerhouse it is today. EHRE has since flourished into a premier agency operating across the tri-state region of Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The family’s entrepreneurial spirit has permeated this venture as well; her daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, now serves as the firm’s owner and lead broker, joined by her husband, Scott, and their daughter, Brittany, marking the expansion of the family’s professional influence into a new generation.

For Elyse, tea remains a daily ritual that spans the spectrum of the company’s offerings. Her current morning preferences often lean toward the delicate notes of Dragon Pearl Jasmine, the health-conscious profile of the Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, or the crisp, traditional character of Japanese Sencha. As the day transitions into the afternoon, she often pivots to oolongs, while her evenings are frequently anchored by calming infusions like Jasmine tea, the vibrant Yellow & Blue blend, or the soothing classic, Chamomile—a staple her husband famously brought home for her for many years.

Carrying the Torch: Mike Harney

The second generation is spearheaded by Mike Harney, the company’s Vice President and Master Tea Buyer. After honing his professional skills with a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration from Cornell University and managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago, Mike joined the family business in 1988. His transition into the tea world was natural, yet he brought a rigorous, systematic approach to the craft of blending and sourcing.

As the company’s official tea taster, Mike travels the globe, cultivating relationships with tea producers and searching for the finest harvests. His expertise was formalized in 2008 with the publication of The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, a work derived from his experience sampling thousands of varieties. Mike’s philosophy is rooted in the concept of "terroir"—the idea that a great tea should vividly express the specific environment in which it was cultivated. Because he is intimately involved in the blending and tasting process, Mike finds it difficult to name a single favorite, preferring instead to highlight the specific character of each origin, as curated in his online collection, "Mike Harney’s Selects."

The International Connection: Brigitte Harney

The global perspective of Harney & Sons is further enriched by Brigitte Harney, the company’s manager and buyer, and wife to Mike. A native of Suresnes, France, Brigitte’s path to the Harney family began in 1977, when she arrived in Connecticut to work as an au pair. A chance meeting with the Harney family set the stage for her future. Years later, during an internship in France, she and Mike reconnected, and the two eventually joined forces both personally and professionally.

Brigitte’s tastes are as sophisticated as her background. While she is closely associated with "Brigitte’s Blend"—a masterful combination of silvery Ceylon and tippy, full-leaf Assam—her palate is highly seasonal. She often favors the robust Supreme Breakfast tea, which features a blend of tippy Assam and Hao Ya ‘B’ Keemun. However, her choices shift with the weather; she might opt for the earthy depth of Panyang Congou or the herbal notes of Thai Rooibos in the autumn, while the arrival of spring often finds her reaching for a bright, vibrant first-flush Darjeeling.

Innovation and Growth: Paul Harney

Representing the second generation alongside Mike is his brother, Paul Harney, who also serves as Vice President. Paul is widely recognized as the company’s chief innovator, constantly seeking to modernize how consumers engage with tea. He was the driving force behind the brand’s expansion into the ready-to-drink market with organic bottled teas and juices. Furthermore, he was instrumental in developing the company’s signature pyramid sachet packaging. This innovation was a game-changer for the brand, allowing for the convenience of a traditional tea bag while providing sufficient space for whole-leaf tea to expand, ensuring a superior infusion.

Paul’s interest in high-quality botanicals extended beyond the tea industry in 2018 when he, along with Mike, co-founded The Hemp Division. This venture allowed the family to apply their expertise in sourcing and processing to the emerging world of legalized hemp. Like his brother, Paul has an expansive taste in tea, though he holds a particular fondness for "Horchata" tea—a creative, flavorful blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon bark that reflects his affinity for Mexican culinary traditions.

The Third Generation: Emerging Leaders

The future of Harney & Sons is currently being shaped by the third generation, notably Emeric and Alex Harney, who have grown up with the scent of bergamot and the sound of tea tins in the background of their childhoods.

Emeric Harney, the current Marketing Director, began his "apprenticeship" at the age of four, assisting with the simple tasks of labeling tins before graduating to the retail floor during his teenage years. His path to leadership was forged through hands-on experience, from managing the successful opening of the company’s SoHo retail location in 2010 to taking the helm of brand management and product development. Emeric has also contributed to the company’s catalog as a blender, creating popular favorites like Apple Cinnamon and White Christmas. His current preferences reflect a refined, modern palate, often favoring the complex, savory notes of Matcha iri Genmaicha in the morning and the deep, rich character of Panyang Congou in the afternoon.

Alex Harney, the company’s Content Director and Café Director, carries the family legacy through both his creative output and his culinary expertise. His earliest memories involve working with his grandfather to blend Earl Grey, manually infusing tea leaves with bergamot oil. When the company opened its Millerton café in 2005, Alex stepped into the role of founder and executive chef, curating a menu that ranged from artisanal sandwiches to intricate desserts. Today, he also serves as the director of film and photography for Harney & Sons, ensuring the brand’s visual storytelling matches the quality of its tea. For his personal selection, Alex has developed a discerning taste for lightly oxidized oolongs, frequently reaching for varieties such as Dong Ding Light, Wenshan Baozhong, and Ali San Oolong.

A Continuing Legacy

As the Harney family continues to grow, the business remains a living entity, constantly evolving while maintaining the principles of quality and hospitality established in that basement four decades ago. The current leadership is acutely aware that the industry is unpredictable, and that the next chapter of the company will likely involve further growth and the eventual integration of the fourth generation. For now, the family remains focused on their core mission: sourcing, sampling, blending, and sharing the world’s finest teas, one cup at a time, to bring a touch of the exceptional to the everyday lives of their customers.