Lorie Valdez on Building Standup MRI and Elevating Arizona’s PI Community
In Episode 31 (Part 1) of Verdicts & Vogue, Cristina Perez Hesano sits down with Lorie Valdez, President of Business Development at Standup MRI, for an inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and relationship-driven growth in the personal injury industry.
Lorie shares her journey from starting as a receptionist in a personal injury law firm to becoming a respected leader in Arizona’s legal and medical communities. She reflects on how learning every layer of the industry, from pre-litigation to public adjusting and eventually medical imaging, shaped her deep understanding of both attorneys’ and providers’ needs. Her transition into the medical field challenged her at first, but ultimately revealed her passion for patient care and collaboration.
The episode also explores her venture into podcasting, inspired by her father’s background in media. What began as a simple idea evolved into a platform designed to connect attorneys, doctors, and service providers through authentic conversations. Lorie emphasizes that business development is more than marketing; it is about consistency, belief in your mission, and building genuine, win-win relationships.
Cristina and Lorie discuss the growth of Standup MRI, including how Lorie helped build its personal injury framework from the ground up. Through persistence and education, she contributed to expanding services, improving imaging access, and enhancing patient-centered care.
The episode closes with a powerful message about perseverance, faith, and long-term vision. Lorie’s story highlights that meaningful success is built through steady effort, strong relationships, and staying aligned with purpose.
