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...

… and change it did!

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.

Amongst the Five-Star Amazon Reviews…

"Jeff Burgess’s It Worked for Me is one of those rare books that manages to be both deeply personal and universally relatable. What stood out most to me was the way Jeff lays bare his journey—equal parts grit, intuition, lucky breaks, and yes, even a bit of dumb luck. He doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges, but he shows how persistence and openness to opportunity can make all the difference.

What makes the book especially refreshing is his humility. Rather than presenting his story as a straight line of accomplishments, Jeff acknowledges the twists, turns, and unexpected detours that shaped his path. That honesty makes the victories even more meaningful.

And I must give special kudos for the way Jeff consistently praises and credits his wife throughout the book. It’s clear that she’s not just a background figure but an essential part of his story. That kind of recognition adds a warmth and authenticity that makes the book resonate even more.

If you’re looking for inspiration, practical wisdom, and a reminder that success often comes from a mix of hard work and serendipity, this book is a must-read. Highly recommend it."

Angela T. Verified Amazon Purchase

"It Worked for Me isn’t your typical business book—it’s a story of raw perseverance and self-belief from someone who built success without shortcuts or a college degree. Jeff Burgess writes with so much honesty and humor, taking you from the chaos of getting fired to the clarity of founding a multimillion-dollar company.

What makes this book stand out is how personal and practical it is. Every story carries a takeaway: how to lead with integrity, turn rejection into motivation, and believe in your own potential even when no one else does. Jeff’s lessons apply far beyond business—they’re lessons for life.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, this book will remind you that passion, persistence, and people skills will always be worth so much!

Klaro, Verified Amazon Purchase

Features

Resources

Podcasts

My Life Lessons - The BurgeCast