Engine

Startup finalists
Engine
Rogers

Co-founders: Nick Dozier and Pat Lockridge
Year founded: 2022
Line of work: Consumer packaged goods (CPG) omnichannel software developer
Website: engine.net

Retail/consumer packaged goods (CPG) analytics industry veterans Nick Dozier (CEO) and Pat Lockridge (COO) launched Engine in August 2022. The company focuses on bolstering major CPG companies’ analytical and data science capabilities within the Walmart ecosystem.

Within a brief span, the firm has drawn in premier talent nationwide to Northwest Arkansas, established partnerships with well-regarded CPG brands and experienced exponential revenue growth. The company’s products include retail data connectors, store and e-commerce data, automated reporting, dashboarding, A/B testing, forecasting, assortment precision and clustering. Dozier said Engine will soon introduce a groundbreaking data app platform.

With 40 employees, Engine serves several hundred CPG brands across three continents and major retailers. Notably, the company witnessed a remarkable growth rate of over 100% in 2023. Lockridge said projections indicate a doubling of that growth in 2024.

“Engine is designed to be a singular platform with a multitude of solutions to help all functions inside of a CPG customer: from the supply chain, sales, omni and category to solutions for analysts, data scientists and engineers,” Lockridge said.

Engine offers an extensive library of Walmart (Retail Link, Luminate) content and integrates with syndicated datasets by Nielsen, IRI and others. It is also recognized on the Walmart website as a Walmart Luminate API Certified Partner and maintains strategic partnerships with industry giants like Databricks and Microsoft.

Dozier said Engine stands out from competitors by investing in three key areas: data science solutions, talent acquisition (including senior data scientists, engineers, and customer success personnel) and data management solutions.

“These investments enable clients to navigate data complexities rapidly,” he said. “Engine’s commitment to client service, characterized by respect, speed, and accuracy, contributes significantly to our success.”

Dozier said collaborating with the University of Arkansas to hire and cultivate local talent is a point of pride. Engine envisions continued rapid expansion, with plans for a new world headquarters in Rogers by 2025.

The company remains dedicated to philanthropic endeavors, supporting local charities such as the American Diabetes Association, The Children’s Tumor Foundation and Equestrian Bridges.

Equestrian Bridges exists to change the face of mental, emotional and physical health by providing a unique therapeutic environment and treatment for those in need through Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EEAT). The charity was founded and funded by Dozier’s wife, Shanna Dozier.