Smart Building Evolution: Tracy Markie's 30-Year Journey from Intel to Real Estate Technology Pioneer
Tracy Markie, founder and CEO of Engenuity Systems, has shaped building automation technology since the early days of ethernet connectivity. As his company marks its 30th anniversary, Markie’s influence on smart building systems continues to grow.
After beginning his career at Intel, Markie’s path to entrepreneurship started modestly with a $200 joint business checking account and a handshake agreement. “I had an opportunity to go out and work for one of Intel’s vendors on a program where you can go out and help develop that vendor for up to a year, and then come back at any point as an Intel employee.” He says, “I kind of loved the small business world, you know, being a bigger fish in a much smaller pond.” Markie recalls his transition from corporate life.
Engenuity Systems has developed a comprehensive approach to building control systems, offering distribution, engineering services, and custom hardware and software design. Their impact extends beyond traditional building automation. Their custom-designed solutions now operate in approximately 90% of semiconductor fabrication plants worldwide and 60% of heavy-haul locomotives, according to Markie.
The company’s eViewIoT platform, with its advanced Pro version (eViewIoT Pro), is a sophisticated energy and IoT device management system that has transformed how building portfolios operate. This platform now connects thousands of quick-serve restaurants and retail locations worldwide, managing everything from temperature controls to lighting systems.
For commercial real estate owners and operators, this addresses a critical challenge. Traditional building management systems typically operate in isolation, with proprietary systems from different vendors unable to share data or create operational efficiencies. Engenuity’s approach enables true interoperability and data sharing between systems.
With traditional siloed systems, says Markie, “you’re not getting smarter about your operations at all, you’re not getting economies of scale at all.” That’s why his company takes a different approach. “All of the technology that we’re behind has to do with going to a truly open, interoperable version of all of that, where data is easily shared between and securely shared between buildings.”
The industry is experiencing significant change, driven by widespread connectivity, advanced sensor technology, and increasing demand for sustainable buildings. New integrated sensor units combining seven different types of sensors into compact devices are making smart building technology increasingly cost-effective for property owners.
As real estate technology continues to evolve, Engenuity Systems works with property owners and operators to develop intelligent buildings. Their emphasis on open-source solutions and interoperability aims to support the creation of AI-enabled and sustainable buildings for the future.
