Theresa Garcia, COO for Division Laundry & Cleaners, a healthcare and hospitality operator based in San Antonio, tells a story of a next-gen family executive that underscores the obstacles facing these managers as they pursue success as leaders of family-owned businesses.

GROWTH HURDLES

For Garcia, the good news was that Division had picked up a new linen-rental account—a large hospital. Her team’s challenge was to quickly prepare to take on a large chunk of new business without disrupting existing operations. “In 2015, we were trying to bring in some new business to our San Antonio facility,” said Garcia, who ...