References & Testimonials

Competitor:
Mim Enck, President, FloraPharm Tea USA
“Mike Spillane is a gift to the tea business. The energy he has given to move the tea business forward in our country is truly astounding. His integrity and knowledge are always shared bountifully. One of my favorite sayings, to which I credit Mike, is the following: “A high tide raises all ships.” There are many hidden truths in a few simple yet profound words. It is an honor to know Mike.”

Trade Industry Leaders:
Joe Simrany, President, Tea Association of the USA
“Mike Spillane is the personification of specialty tea. In fact, before anyone knew there was anything special about tea, Mike was selling it. Just as unique as the product he sells, Mike is warm and caring, passionate and deep, trustworthy and giving, quiet-spoken and yet the most vociferous spokesperson for the industry. Mike is a mentor to many and the unofficial father of the specialty tea movement within the United States. The Tea Association of the USA is privileged and honored to count The G.S. Haly Co. as one of its members and Mike Spillane as one of its friends!”

Richard Guzauskas, Tea Consultant & Tea Smith, STI Certification Program Chairman
“Early on in my career, Mike opened the door to the vast array of teas and complexities each has to offer. Since day one, he has provided unselfish assistance, invaluable knowledge and generous samplings of great teas, asking a heck of a lot less in return than what he gives in support. I feel personally enriched by his acquaintance, support and magnanimous contributions to the tea industry.”

Customer:
Eliot Jordan, Director of Tea, Peet’s Coffee & Tea
“Mike Spillane epitomizes the traditional tea trader, because his word is as good as a contract, and he tells you the truth whether or not it’s good for him or for you. I first met Mike over the telephone, and from our first conversation I was impressed with how much time he spent patiently explaining tea to me. He’s helped me to succeed in the tea business, and I know a lot of other tea professionals who can say the same thing. Neither I nor the industry would be where it is today without Mike’s positive influence.”

Tea Books & Media Author:
James Norwood Pratt, Author of James Norwood Pratt’s New Tea Lover’s Treasury
“The leading U.S. importer of fine teas has long been acknowledged to be The G.S. Haly Co. This is a statement I am able to make without any slightest fear of contradiction by other tea professionals because I am widely acquainted—mostly, in fact, long-time friends—with most of the principals of most of America’s major tea concerns and on this matter nobody disagrees.”

Vendor:
Shashank Goel, Co-owner, Ambootia Tea & Founder, Ineeka®; STI Advisory Board Chairman
“Having known Mike for several years now, both at a professional and personal level, I can very boldly state that Mike is one of the most knowledgeable tea persons in North America, and moreover, is one of the most helpful and kind individuals I know. A lot of people forget, but Mike has educated most of the tea companies that exist today here in North America and helped the founders launch their specialty tea companies. He has been a major influence in the growth of the specialty tea segment and was the founder of APTI, which is now STI. Without his initiatives, we would not be where we are in terms of educating the trade, which has led to better-quality teas being available in this marketplace and the growth of the industry. Mike is a very honest man and will first do the right thing for his clients and provide them with the quality that is worthy of being within the very premium tea category. He will walk away from business that does not fulfill that need. His honesty and sincere dedication and willingness to help everyone, including his competitors, is what makes him a great man and one I respect greatly.”

Former Employee:
Jeff Bacon, VP of Tea, Bewley’s USA
I can honestly say that Michael’s main focus has always been (and I am sure will remain) that he will always do what’s best for his customers. His decision to continue to feed the institute (Specialty Tea Institute) with his time as well as the time and resources of his employees was not always best for The G.S. Haly Co., but it was good for the industry as a whole. Ironically, it is this kind of deliberate disregard for his own profitability that has made him successful. Today, I would be proud to recommend Michael and his company to anyone who needs a tea supplier, knowing that for his customers, Michael offers the same stick-to-itiveness that helped keep this trade organization moving forward until it could run on its own. The industry does owe Michael Spillane a great deal of thanks. Without his commitment to the industry and the belief that all tea vendors in this country would benefit from such an organization, we would not be meeting in Charlotte for this, our Ninth Annual Tea Symposium. Thank you, Michael! You remain a friend, a mentor and someone I would highly recommend ANY DAY!”