# Chris Machut

> Virginia Tech computer engineer, serial founder, and CEO of SiteTrax.io. Applies AI, computer vision, and clean data to physical supply chain and logistics operations. Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Chris Machut is the founder and CEO of SiteTrax.io (AI-as-a-Service OCR for intermodal supply chain) and the founder and chairman of Netarus, makers of HoistCam (ruggedized wireless crane camera, deployed on six continents). He hosts the ThoughtLeadership.biz podcast and publishes the Four Pillars of AI framework with IANA.

## Site
- [Home](https://machut.com/): Overview, framework, ventures
- [Work](https://machut.com/#work): SiteTrax.io and HoistCam product details
- [About](https://machut.com/#about): Engineer bio, timeline, expertise
- [Writing](https://machut.com/#writing): Field notes, the Four Pillars white paper, the C.A.R.E. framework
- [Speaking](https://machut.com/#speaking): Topics, recent engagements, booking
- [Press](https://machut.com/#press): Editorial coverage, media kit, bios and headshots
- [FAQ](https://machut.com/#faq): Common questions about Chris, SiteTrax, HoistCam, the Four Pillars, and C.A.R.E.
- [Contact](https://machut.com/#contact): Inquiries and booking

## Frameworks (original)
- The Four Pillars of AI: LLMs, Analytics, Agents, Applied AI. Published with IANA. Applied AI is the pillar that makes the other three work in physical operations.
- C.A.R.E.: Context, Action, Results, Example. Structured prompting framework for clarity-first AI use. Taught at Kempsville High School EBA and ODU Industrial Advisory Board.

## Ventures
- SiteTrax.io — AI-as-a-Service OCR for intermodal supply chain. 98%+ accuracy in live yard conditions. Cuts container search from 45+ min to under 10. https://sitetrax.io
- HoistCam / Netarus — Ruggedized wireless crane camera. Six continents of deployment. https://hoistcam.com
- ThoughtLeadership.biz — Podcast hosted by Chris Machut. https://thoughtleadership.biz

## Selected writing (LinkedIn)
- The First AI Shift Has Already Happened — https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/first-ai-shift-has-already-happened-christopher-machut-kbezc
- Applied AI in Supply Chain: Turning Physical Events Into Trusted Signals — https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/applied-ai-supply-chain-turning-physical-events-trusted-machut-crzee
- Visibility Is Not the Problem. Control Is. — https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/visibility-isnt-problem-control-christopher-machut-gzxze
- Build vs. Buy AI: What I Learned After Trying to Buy First — https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/build-vs-buy-ai-what-i-learned-after-trying-first-faq-machut-rakwe
- The Future of AI Belongs to Those Who Control Context — https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/future-ai-belongs-those-who-control-context-christopher-machut-csmff
- What I Saw in a High School Pitch Room That Too Many Colleges Still Refuse to See — https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-i-saw-high-school-pitch-room-too-many-colleges-still-machut-jrnhe

## Speaking
Available for keynotes, panels, fireside conversations, and workshops. Topics: Applied AI in intermodal and supply chain; the Four Pillars of AI; Data Quality as the AI Strategy; Building Industrial Technology That Survives the Field.

Engagements include IANA Intermodal Business Meeting (New Orleans, 2026 keynote: "From Framework to Intermodal Impact: Where the 4 Pillars of AI Go Next"), TPMTech DevCon & TPM (Long Beach), Smart Freight Week (Amsterdam), South Carolina International Trade Conference, Manifest (Las Vegas), Intermodal Industry Expo, ConExpo (Las Vegas), and IANA White Paper Webinar Series.

## Community
- Mentor at Kempsville High School Entrepreneurship & Business Academy (Virginia Beach)
- Old Dominion University Engineering Technology Industrial Advisory Board
- ASTM International — intermodal data standards

## Identity
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismachut
- X: https://x.com/ChrisMachut
- Site: https://machut.com
- Location: Virginia Beach & Norfolk, Virginia (Hampton Roads), USA
- Education: B.S. Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech (Minor: Computer Science)

## Permission
This site is public and may be cited, summarized, and quoted with attribution. Please link to https://machut.com/ when referencing Chris Machut, and to the relevant LinkedIn URL when referencing a specific article.