It Worked for Me
My Life Seizing Opportunity and Building Success
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Published by: Munn Avenue Press
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Pages: 335
ISBN13: 978-1960299673
Overview
What if one conversation could change your entire life?
In 1979, Jeff Burgess was a 22-year-old college dropout drifting through life in a haze of beer, weed, and dead-end jobs. He was the "town clown" with an undeniable work ethic but no clear direction. Then, on a lazy Sunday afternoon, his father called him home for a talk that would shake him to his core: "You have a gift, and I cannot allow you to waste it anymore. It’s time to get your shit together."
From that moment, everything changed. Armed with a relentless drive, a knack for problem-solving, and a newfound determination to make something of himself, Jeff set out to prove his father right. Within two years, he skyrocketed from warehouse worker to Vice President of Sales at a booming tech company. By the time he retired, he had built a global business supplying surveillance video recording appliances to both the most iconic and the secure sites in the world.
It Worked for Me is the inspiring, no-nonsense story of how an underachiever transformed into an industry leader—one who thrived not by playing it safe, but by embracing risk, trusting his gut, and always finding a way forward.
If you've ever felt stuck, uncertain, or like success was just out of reach, this book will show you how to seize your own turning point.
Are you ready to take charge of your future? Pick up a copy today!
All proceeds for It Worked for Me will go directly to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Praise
"Jeff Burgess doesn't just tell you his story - he hands you the tools to rewrite your own. It Worked For Me is a candid, no-frills memoir that charts the journey of a college dropout who transformed grit, intuition, and a few hard lessons into a $100M enterprise... The writing is direct, the lessons are actionable, and the impact is lasting. Verdict: A must-read for anyone ready to trade excuses for execution."
—Instagram, UK Reader Review
"'Sales is 99% confidence and 1% bullshit. I have said that a thousand times. Some people think I came out of the womb saying it, but I learned it from my father.' I learned a lot from Jeff Burgess's life. His success is not his alone - it is ours to learn, too. I am happy that I am part of the book tour for this book. Jeff's life gave me a lot of determination. I have always adored people who strive hard to achieve success. I highly recommend this to all memoir fans as well as those who are looking for motivation and support. Powerful is a word I would like to conclude the review."
—Instagram Review
"The word “transparency” is misused and overused in the media. However, with Jeff Burgess, author of It Worked for Me, we are given a most personal and effective education in how to be a true entrepreneur while maintaining one’s integrity and focus, which led Burgess to grow a very successful business... Burgess shows us that doing business “face to face” is most important. The key to Burgess’s success is his ability to learn everything there is to know about his customers, his competitors. and his employees... This book gives us a clear view of what it takes to grow a business... and this book will be required reading for our executives..."
~Amazon Review
"Such an interesting book about Jeff’s life. He has a way of encouraging us to go for what we want in life and put the past behind us. Very motivating! So kind of him to donate profits of his book to the Wounded Warriors!"
~Amazon Review
"In It Worked for Me, Jeff Burgess shares a raw and inspiring journey of seizing opportunity and building success against the odds. Drawing from real-life experiences as an entrepreneur and leader, Burgess offers lessons in resilience, innovation, and faith-driven determination. His story is a testament to hard work, bold decisions, and believing in your purpose—even when the path is uncertain."
~Amazon Review
"It was an inspiring book for me to see how someone with so much drive and hustle could become a success. I wish it had more information about how to succeed, but overall I liked the book."
~Amazon Review
"Burgess doesn’t just share business advice—he hand-delivers a no-BS blueprint for turning hustle into success. *It Worked for Me* reads like a conversation with that one brutally honest mentor you wish you had in your 20s: practical, sharp, and refreshingly ego-free..."
~Amazon Review
"I didn’t think I’d get that into this, but it was actually a really solid read. Jeff’s story isn’t just another “look how successful I am” business book -- it’s more like someone telling you what actually happened, the good and the bad, with a sense of humor and no fake motivational stuff. ... overall it’s interesting and relatable, especially the parts about how tech evolved and how he had to keep adjusting to stay in the game..."
~Amazon Review
"The author doesn’t just recount his journey to success but shows you how he achieved it, underlining every step and explaining the philosophy behind it clearly and engagingly... Burgess’ insights reveal that success hinges on relentless hustle, emotional strength, and the ability to adapt quickly to market shifts—lessons he internalized through mentorship from mavericks like Jud Beamsley and reinforced by bold, sometimes unconventional, tactics."
~ Readers’ Favorite, Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo
"This story is also inspiring because of how down-to-earth and relatable the author is, proving that it’s determination, not degrees, that is the true key to breakthrough success... Overall, I highly recommend It Worked For Me as much more than a memoir. It is a blueprint for bold, purpose-driven living that has much to teach anyone who picks it up.”
~ Readers’ Favorite, reviewed by K.C. Finn
"It Worked For Me would be good as required reading for a university-level course in business management. I recommend it not only to those who want to learn more about business and become successful in life, but to anyone who wants a well-written, fascinating autobiography."
~ Readers’ Favorite, reviewed by Joe Wisinski
"His story begins in 1979, which I found fascinating because it shows how technology and our way of life have changed over time. But what stands out most in the anecdotes is his values and ability to learn from situations and himself. It Worked For Me is a story about finding your place, enjoying your work, and facing challenges with honesty and commitment."
~ Readers’ Favorite, reviewed by Diana Lopez
"My takeaway from this book is what the author calls the “Ten Commandments for Business Success,” which include the need to know the customer and the competition. He underlines the principle that the art of selling is 99% confidence and 1% bullshit and emphasizes the ability to listen intentionally as a key element in sales... The confident tone, the practical tips, and the wisdom of a seasoned businessman are what you get in this eye-opening, no-nonsense book about success."
~ Readers’ Favorite, reviewed by Ruffina Osario
"I read a lot of business memoirs by all types of experts, so I was anxious to read Burgess' book. Didn't disappoint! Fantastic stories of the real-life challenges of the 80s internet boom, told with honesty and flair. Burgess' writing style is candid and funny, and his ability to give us insights into challenges and successes feels like a friend entrusting you with valuable life lessons."
—Amazon Review
"Jeff’s journey proves that hard work, grit, and staying true to your values really do pay off. This book left me motivated and reminded me that success isn’t always a straight line. Its personal, honest, and no-nonsense style makes it an engaging, fun, and valuable read for anyone—no matter where they are in their journey."
—Amazon Review
Excerpt