A Legacy Steeped in Tradition: Meet the Harney Family Behind the Tea

It has been over four decades since John Harney, guided by the expertise of English expat Stanley Mason, transformed a humble basement project into what is now a global name in the tea industry. Since its inception in 1983, Harney & Sons has weathered the changing tides of the beverage industry, evolving from a small-scale startup into an institution of tea culture. While much has changed since those early days, the company remains firmly rooted in its identity as a family-owned and operated enterprise. In fact, as the business has matured, the family circle has only expanded, with the "sons" in Harney & Sons now raising a third generation of Harneys who are deeply involved in the daily operations of the company.

To understand the trajectory of Harney & Sons, one must look at the individuals who define its culture. From the foundational leadership of the family matriarch to the creative contributions of the grandchildren, the story of this brand is truly a family affair.

Elyse Harney: The Matriarch and Co-Founder

At the helm of the organization stands Elizabeth G. "Elyse" Deublein, the president of Harney & Sons. Born in North Bergen, New Jersey, Elyse graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn in 1952. Her enduring connection to her alma mater remains a point of family pride, as the university has invited her to serve as the 2026 commencement speaker.

Following her graduate studies at Columbia University and her marriage to John Harney in 1953, Elyse became the co-architect of both a large family and a business empire. Beyond her pivotal role in co-founding Harney & Sons in 1983, she demonstrated immense entrepreneurial acumen by establishing Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE) in 1987. During the lean years of the nascent tea company, her real estate venture provided the essential stability required to nurture the business. Today, EHRE is a cornerstone of the tri-state real estate market, spanning operations across Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The legacy continues within that firm as well, with her daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, serving as the lead broker and owner, supported by her husband, Scott, and their daughter, Brittany.

When it comes to tea, Elyse maintains a refined and varied palate. Her personal collection, "Elyse Harney’s Selects," reflects a preference for both traditional and restorative brews. Her morning rituals often feature Dragon Pearl Jasmine, Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, or Japanese Sencha. As the day transitions into the afternoon, she often pivots to oolongs, eventually winding down with a soothing cup of Jasmine, Yellow & Blue, or the classic Chamomile—a favorite tisane that her late husband, John, introduced to her years ago.

Mike Harney: Second Generation Leadership

The second generation of Harney leadership is anchored by Mike Harney, the company’s Vice President and Master Tea Buyer. Mike’s journey began after he earned a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration from Cornell University. Before dedicating himself to the family business in 1988, he honed his operational skills by managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago.

In his current capacity, Mike acts as the company’s primary palate and lead blender. His role necessitates extensive global travel to meet with tea producers, ensuring that the company maintains its high standards for quality and sourcing. His expertise was formalized in his 2008 book, The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, a work born from his extensive experience tasting and analyzing hundreds of tea varieties annually. For Mike, the defining characteristic of a superior tea is its "terroir"—the unique expression of the environment in which the leaves are grown. While his personal preferences are constantly evolving, his curated collection, "Mike Harney’s Selects," serves as a testament to his pursuit of teas that best articulate their regional character.

Brigitte Harney: Global Perspective and Management

The international reach of the Harney brand is bolstered by the presence of Brigitte Harney, who brings a distinct perspective to the company as a manager and buyer. Born in Suresnes, France, Brigitte first arrived in Connecticut in 1977 as an au pair. Her serendipitous introduction to the Harney family during her travels eventually led to a reconnection with Mike during his internship in France, cementing a partnership that would span both their personal and professional lives.

Brigitte’s taste in tea is often a reflection of the season and her current environment. While "Brigitte’s Blend"—a signature combination of silvery Ceylon and full-leaf Assam—is a staple, she is also a proponent of the company’s Supreme Breakfast tea. During the autumnal months, she favors Panyang Congou or Thai Rooibos, shifting her preference to a crisp 1st Flush Darjeeling, such as the Teesta Valley selection, when the weather turns warm.

Paul Harney: The Innovator

As the firm’s other Vice President, Paul Harney serves as the company’s primary innovator. His influence is most visible in the development of modern convenience products that maintain the integrity of whole-leaf tea. Paul was instrumental in the launch of the brand’s organic, ready-to-drink tea and juice lines, as well as the implementation of the pyramid sachet packaging. By providing a larger space for the leaves to expand, these sachets bridge the gap between convenience and quality.

Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit also extended to the launch of The Hemp Division in 2018, a sister company that integrates the Harney family’s expertise in premium botanicals with the burgeoning market for legal hemp. His personal taste, highlighted in "Paul Harney’s Selects," reveals a penchant for distinct, flavor-forward blends, most notably the Horchata tea—a unique mixture of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon bark that honors his affinity for Mexican flavors.

The Third Generation: Emeric and Alex Harney

The transition to the third generation is currently led by Emeric and Alex Harney, both of whom grew up immersed in the rhythms of the tea trade. Emeric, currently the Marketing Director, began his "apprenticeship" as a young child, assisting with tasks as simple as peeling stickers before moving into retail sales, gift wrapping, and eventually professional blending. His creative fingerprints can be found on popular products such as Apple Cinnamon and White Christmas. After successfully managing the company’s SoHo retail location, Emeric moved into his current role, overseeing product development, brand management, and sourcing. His current morning routine involves a cup of Matcha iri Genmaicha, transitioning to Panyang Congou in the afternoon.

Alex Harney, the eldest of the third generation, serves as both the Content Director and the director of the company’s café operations. His earliest memories involve blending Earl Grey with his grandfather, John, using traditional techniques that involved manually scenting leaves with bergamot oil. His multifaceted role at Harney & Sons has seen him pivot from conducting retail tea tastings to founding and acting as executive chef for the company’s Millerton Café. In addition to his culinary work, he manages the company’s visual identity, directing film and photography projects. His own curated collection reflects a deep appreciation for lightly oxidized oolongs, such as Dong Ding Light, Wenshan Baozhong, and Ali San Oolong.

Looking Toward the Future

The current landscape of Harney & Sons is a reflection of a family that has successfully navigated the transition from a basement business to a globally recognized brand while retaining its foundational values. As the family grows and the tea industry continues to shift, the Harneys remain committed to the core tenets established by John and Elyse decades ago: the continuous sourcing, sampling, and blending of the world’s finest teas.

While the current roster of Harneys manages the day-to-day complexities of the business, they remain acutely aware that their story is far from finished. The history of the company has been defined by unexpected developments and the constant evolution of the palate. Just as the past forty years have brought significant growth and innovation, the family anticipates that the next chapter will inevitably involve new challenges, new teas, and perhaps the introduction of even more family members to the business, ensuring that the Harney name remains a fixture in the tea world for generations to come.