^{August 5, 2025} Day in the Life: Isabela Montoya, Material Logistics Coordinator

Isabela Montoya began her career in search of a path that allows her to see the results of her work in a tangible way. The electrical trade has been just that. For the past four years, Isabela’s experience has evolved from hands-on work in the field to a coordinator role where she leads and supports work behind the scenes. Her pride in contributing to and supporting her team has driven her to excel in both types of positions, offering her different perspectives and allowing her to grow and develop new skills.

Isabela’s efforts support 1912 Manufacturing, the prefabrication division of Sturgeon Electric, where she has been for nearly a year. The group works to enhance project efficiency by specializing in off-site prefabrication and kitting. Its work allows field teams to stay on schedule and meet tight deadlines. By reducing on-site labor and streamlining material prep, they improve workflow, minimize waste, and keep projects moving while offering project-specific customization.

Q: What brought you to inside electrical work? How did you get started and why?

I joined IBEW Local 68 four years ago as an apprentice with a clear goal: I wanted to build a career where I could work with my hands and see the real-world results of what I do every day. I wanted to learn a skilled trade, something that offered both stability and the chance to grow. Electrical work quickly stood out.

Q: What is your job title and what do you do?

I am the Material Logistics Coordinator for 1912. I order material, track/enter budgets and productivity, and send out proposals/quotes to internal and external customers.  Additionally, I help mentor the apprentices just entering the trade.

Q: Why do you like what you do?

The satisfaction of walking through a finished job site and knowing you had a hand in making it happen. It’s a day-to-day challenge, and it’s rewarding in a way that few other jobs are.

I am proud to represent and empower women in the skilled trades, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.

Isabela Montoya, 1912 Manufacturing Material Logistics Coordinator

Q: How have you seen yourself grow and progress over the course of your career so far?

During my time in the field, I gained a solid foundation in electrical work, learning not just technical skills, but also how to work efficiently, safely, and as part of a team. Every job site offered something new, and that hands-on experience shaped the way I approach challenges today. When I moved into this role, it was a big step, and one that pushed me to grow in different ways. I went from installing systems to planning them, coordinating materials, setting timelines, managing budgets, and keeping communication flowing between teams. The transition taught me how important it is to understand both the big picture and the small details that keep a job running smoothly. I’ve seen myself grow from someone just learning the trade to someone helping lead and support the work behind the scenes. It’s been a rewarding journey so far, and I’m excited to keep learning and contributing to the success of our projects and our team.

Q: Is there anything you’re particularly proud of in your career so far?

I am proud to represent and empower women in the skilled trades, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.

Q: Describe what the typical day-to-day looks like in your role.

We start each day with a team huddle and stretch and flex, followed by a daily meeting with the manufacturing team to review all current prefab jobs—what’s done, in progress, or behind. This sets our priorities. As job requests come in, I review BIM drawings, order materials, and set time goals for each assembly. I print spools and labels to keep everything organized. Throughout the day, I walk the floor, assist the team, stage materials, and ensure smooth operations. I also price completed projects, write proposals, track budgets, and coordinate with job sites to keep everything aligned.

Q: For those who may not be as familiar with 1912 Manufacturing, what do you do?

Prefab plays a critical role in supporting project efficiency and execution. We specialize in prefabricating and kitting assemblies off-site, which allows our field teams to stay on schedule and meet aggressive project deadlines. By streamlining material preparation and reducing on-site labor demands, we help improve workflow, minimize waste, and keep jobs moving.  Additionally, we provide a great deal of customization with our fabrications. At 1912 Manufacturing, we can support the custom prefabrication needs of any MYR Group subsidiary as well as for customers outside of the company.

Q: How does 1912 excel at what they do?

Although we are experts at many things, we are constantly learning and evolving with the trade.  We get better at interpreting communication from the field and BIM, we get better and more creative in how we package and ship our fabrications.  We continually evolve. 

Q: How does 1912 benefit their clients?

We minimize delays and ensure alignment with job site needs. This is done through clear communication, planning, and on-time execution.

Q: What excites you about your job?

Every day brings something new, I’m constantly learning—whether it’s improving my skills in Excel or gaining hands-on experience on the shop floor. The variety in daily tasks is what makes the job exciting.

Q: How does your team help you grow and support you?

My team is incredibly supportive and has walked me through every step of my career, from my first day in the trade to my first day in my new role. They foster a collaborative environment where everyone is encouraged to ask questions and take on new challenges. Their guidance and feedback have been key to my professional growth.