In an industry built on strength, precision, and grit, Montana Construction stands as a testament to what happens when those same qualities are paired with vision and heart. The company’s story isn’t just one of concrete and pipe; it’s one of perseverance, leadership, and progress. As a WBE-certified (Women’s Business Enterprise) contractor, Montana Construction proudly represents the power of diversity in construction, leading the way for women-owned businesses.
At the forefront of this achievement is Lisa Ballerini, President of Montana Construction, as the newly elected President of the Utility & Transportation Contractors Association (UTCA). Her journey to the top of New Jersey’s construction world is one of determination, family values, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
From Fashion to Foundations: Lisa’s Journey
Lisa Ballerini’s story is anything but ordinary. Born in Englewood, New Jersey, to Italian immigrants Dominic and Natalina Santaite, Lisa grew up in Bogota, where she attended St. Joseph’s Grammar School and graduated from Bogota High School. With dreams of fashion design, she earned a full scholarship to Berkeley College of Business. But life had other plans, and they involved a lot more dirt and heavy machinery than designer fabrics.
In 1993, Lisa’s father started Montana Construction with her brother, Vincent. A year later, he asked Lisa to help with some office work to save money. That “little help” turned into a life-changing decision. At just 19 years old, Lisa was fully immersed in the construction world. She switched her major to Business Administration at Bergen Community College and worked nights while building the company by day.
Lisa quickly became the backbone of the operation. She found leads, ordered bonds, established credit, and even delivered materials to job sites. Her no-nonsense approach to running a tight budget fueled steady growth. By the company’s second year, Montana Construction’s revenue surpassed $1 million, a clear sign that Lisa had what it took to lead.
Today, under her leadership, Montana Construction has evolved into a regional powerhouse with over 300 employees, a full fleet of heavy machinery, and annual sales exceeding $100 million. Through recessions, industry shifts, and evolving infrastructure demands, Lisa’s steady hand and business savvy have kept Montana Construction growing strong.
Leading by Example: Lisa’s Presidency at UTCA
Lisa’s election as President of the Utility & Transportation Contractors Association (UTCA) marks a significant milestone, not only for Montana Construction but for women across the construction industry. UTCA represents hundreds of infrastructure, utility, and transportation contractors throughout New Jersey, and Lisa’s leadership brings a fresh perspective rooted in experience and resilience.
Her presidency symbolizes progress. For decades, construction has been a male-dominated field, but Lisa’s position challenges that norm. She continues to champion collaboration, transparency, and mentorship, all while advancing the association’s mission to support safe, sustainable, and innovative infrastructure development.
As UTCA President, Lisa brings the same hands-on approach that built Montana Construction. She’s proof that leadership in construction isn’t defined by gender; it’s defined by grit, knowledge, and the drive to make an impact.
What Is WBE Certification? Why It Matters
Montana Construction’s success is further distinguished by its WBE certification, a designation that recognizes businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by women. This certification is issued through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s leading third-party certifier of women-owned businesses.
The WBENC Certification process is comprehensive. It verifies ownership and management structure, ensuring the business demonstrates the strategic and operational capacity to thrive in its industry. Being WBE-certified isn’t just about recognition, it’s about opportunity.
Corporations and government agencies that include women-owned businesses in their supplier networks show their commitment to fostering diversity and empowering women as leaders. These partnerships help build a more diverse, balanced, and sustainable economy, while strengthening communities and industries across the nation.
Montana Construction is proud to have achieved WBE certification in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, opening doors to new collaborations with public and private entities that share the company’s commitment to inclusion and quality.
Montana Construction’s dual-state WBE certification solidifies our reputation as a trusted, woman-owned leader in the construction field. This certification reinforces our credibility and strengthens our partnerships with municipalities, utilities, and transportation authorities across the region. It’s more than a certificate; it’s a reflection of our company’s values and ongoing pursuit of excellence.
Empowering Women in Construction
Lisa Ballerini’s story and Montana Construction’s certification both highlight an important truth: representation matters. Every milestone achieved by women in construction helps pave the way for others to follow.
For young women considering careers in construction, Lisa’s journey demonstrates that success comes from hard work, education, and the courage to step outside of traditional expectations. From managing budgets and teams to negotiating major infrastructure projects, women are increasingly shaping the future of this industry.
At Montana Construction, that spirit of empowerment extends to every corner of the company. Whether it’s investing in employee training, maintaining safety and compliance, or adopting new technologies, Lisa and her team are committed to creating a workplace where every employee has the opportunity to grow and succeed.
Benefits of Partnering with WBE-Certified Businesses
Working with a company that holds a WBE certification provides more than just compliance benefits; it brings diverse thinking and a collaborative approach to the table. Partnering with women-owned businesses like Montana Construction allows organizations to:
- Strengthen their supplier diversity initiatives
- Promote equitable access to opportunities within the industry
- Support economic growth by empowering women-led enterprises
- Build long-term partnerships with experienced, community-minded contractors
By continuing to prioritize WBE-certified companies in contracting and procurement, the construction industry as a whole moves closer toward a future that values both quality and inclusion.
A Legacy of Leadership
Today, Montana Construction stands as one of the region’s most respected WBE-certified construction firms, known for its expertise in water, wastewater, and utility infrastructure projects. Under Lisa’s leadership, the company continues to set benchmarks for professionalism, safety, and community engagement.
Lisa’s dedication to her craft and her team has earned her numerous accolades and positions on respected industry boards, including UTCA and the New Jersey Alliance for Action. Yet beyond the awards and achievements, what defines her most is her ability to balance it all: business leader, wife, and proud mom to Mia Rose and Paul John.
Her success proves that leadership grounded in authenticity and hard work can build more than bridges and pipelines; it can build opportunity. Check out Under Construction’s interview with Lisa, hosted by Jerry Keenan.
Partner with Montana Construction in Building the Future
Montana Construction’s journey as a woman-owned, WBE-certified business is proof that determination and diversity can change the landscape of an entire industry. The company remains dedicated to delivering quality infrastructure projects that support communities across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, while continuing to inspire the next generation of women in construction.
To learn more about Montana Construction’s WBE certification, our services, and previous and upcoming projects, visit our website or contact our team directly at 973-487-5200. Think you might like to join our team? Check out our career opportunities. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more inclusive future—one project at a time.