At Dorado Rock LLC, our mission is to safeguard the vision of independent spirits brands while navigating the highly regulated, complex landscape of North Carolina distribution. To pull that off, you need more than just an understanding of good bourbon, you need a strategy rooted in ironclad risk management, absolute compliance, and operational excellence.
That is exactly what co-founder Mark Fitlin brings to the table.
Long before venturing into the spirits industry, Mark built a formidable reputation as an expert in cybersecurity and risk management, protecting the infrastructure of some of the largest financial and corporate institutions in the United States.
Here is how a career spent defending multi-billion-dollar organizations shaped the meticulous, community-focused approach Mark utilizes at Dorado Rock today.
A Blueprint in Cybersecurity: Protecting America’s Largest Institutions
Securing a premium spirits brand’s supply chain requires a strict attention to detail and data integrity. Mark honed these exact skills over a multi-decade career in information security, serving as a trusted cybersecurity leader across highly regulated sectors.
According to public professional records, Mark’s technical and risk management trajectory spans some of the country's most critical enterprises:
- AmerisourceBergen: Mark began his cybersecurity journey here as an Information Security Analyst, mastering the fundamentals of data protection within a Fortune 10 healthcare giant.
- BB&T (now Truist): He transitioned to the financial sector, spending seven years scaling the ranks from an Info Sec Technologist to an Information Security Manager, defending complex banking systems.
- GE Capital: Mark brought his talent to global industrial finance, managing critical information security frameworks as an Information Security Manager.
- The Clearing House: Serving as Vice President and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the oldest banking association and payments company in the U.S., Mark led high-stakes technology and information security risk strategies to secure the nation’s core payment infrastructure.
This background means Mark doesn't view logistics or brokerage through a simple retail lens. He views it through the lens of compliance, security, and systemic efficiency, ensuring Dorado Rock's partner brands are always structurally protected and primed for growth.
Driven by Purpose: "Bourbon for a Cause" and Supporting the LLS
For Mark, true leadership isn't just about professional accolades; it’s about what you do with your platform. He has long maintained a philosophy that business and community impact should go hand in hand.
As a dedicated advocate for philanthropy, Mark has consistently supported the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), an organization close to his heart that is dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, while improving the quality of life for patients and their families.
Mark has frequently merged his appreciation for fine spirits with his philanthropic mission. Notably featured on the My Average Greatness podcast in an episode titled "Giving is the fulfillment of life - Bourbon for a cause," Mark has championed creative fundraising efforts that utilize the camaraderie of the spirits community to drive meaningful, life-saving donations for the LLS.
Bringing Enterprise Excellence to Dorado Rock LLC
When Mark co-founded Dorado Rock, he brought a rare asset to the North Carolina spirits landscape: true enterprise-level operational discipline.
The brokerage space is filled with enthusiasts, but Mark pairs that enthusiasm with the rigorous precision of a seasoned security executive. Whether he is drafting meticulous special-order strategies for the NC ABC Commission or evaluating premium Ready-To-Drink (RTD) cocktail partners, Mark ensures that every operation moves forward with seamless execution.
Through a unique combination of cybersecurity grit, a palate for premium spirits, and a heart for charitable impact, Mark Fitlin ensures Dorado Rock isn't just a business, it’s a trusted institution.