Screw U: A Memoir

by Jim Masiello

Most people's worst nightmare is a problem with the IRS or the bank. Jim had them both coming after him for tens of millions of dollars.
Jim Masiello is widely known as the founder of the insurance giant SIAA, the Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance, but what people don't know is that along the road to building his company Jim had to fight through a devastating situation with the IRS and fend off a flurry of improbable threats from big banks looking to bring him down.
Far from the professional and cordial experiences most people have with their banks, Jim has stories to share from his time in the insurance and real estate worlds that shed light on the darker side of the financial industry. When millions of dollars are on the line, things turn ugly fast, but this scrappy boy from the wrong side of the tracks had a mouth to match and wasn't afraid to let anyone have it.
Screw You is the true story of a man who didn't have anything handed to him and had to work hard, often against outright belligerence and jealousy, reaching the highest echelons of the business world in the process. Whether it's tense negotiations, courtroom drama, shocking letters announcing millions of dollars in debt out of thin air, or the jaw-dropping chicanery of banking executives, Jim Masiello has seen it all.

172 pages, Paperback

Published March 8, 2023

Reviews

[Lucia Maranghello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Screw You by Jim Masiello is the author's story of how he dealt with most people's worst nightmares: having a debt with the IRS and/or bank, and a little bit about having economic and political influence.
The story begins firstly by showing us the values and personality of the author, and how that helps him to fight the financial giants. Secondly, the birth of his company, SIAA (Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance), and the so-called financial challenge. Third and lastly, Masiello's political career.
This is a story of a young fellow that adapts to the circumstances given to him and squeezes the opportunities given as much as possible. This is a story of the political and economic advantages one can have as an individual.
Some of the terms explained in the book were a little hard to keep track of, however, I enjoyed reading the author's life purpose; it was an enjoyable and fast-paced read. I recommend this book to readers that enjoy a good economic/political memoir!

[Huda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Screw U" is a captivating true story that details Jim Masiello's struggles with both the IRS and banks, who were after him for tens of millions of dollars. The book sheds light on the darker side of the financial industry and is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of insurance and real estate. Jim's story is one of sheer determination and resilience, as he fought through an array of improbable threats from big banks looking to bring him down. The book takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from tense negotiations to courtroom drama and shocking letters announcing millions of dollars in debt out of thin air. Overall, "Screw U" is a fascinating and inspiring read, showcasing the true grit and determination it takes to succeed in the cut-throat business world.

[Aparna Preethi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Screw U: A Memoir was written by author Jim Masiello, this is a self-memoir where the author himself is the protagonist. He is also known widely as a founder of the insurance giant SIAA, the Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance. During his journey to the top, he underwent an ample amount of uncertainty and chaos. From the IRS to the Banks, there was no stone left to turn from the bloodhounds around him to seize millions out of his pocket. Jim made his way through the impossible and stood out from the basic horde to make his daunting presence feel in the professional arenas. He fought till the very end and could finally reap the fruits of success as a successful founder. This book is of equal proportions thrill and inspiring moments, hard work does pay off at the end!

[Mariela Semprini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Screw up: A Memoir” is a book that is based on and narrates the author´s personal life experience. Born in a family of Italian immigrants that settled in the USA, Jim Masiello had to struggle to get to his actual post as a founder, chairman and CEO of the insurance giant SIAA, the Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance. In this book he really opens his heart, mind and soul to show readers that nothing is impossible in life, neither it is easy. He states his experiences with banks and the financial system showing their darkest side. Particularly, the author narrates a difficult situation he faced with the IRS and the banks chasing him for ten million dollars. His real-life story is easy and catching to read and difficult to forget.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Screw U: A Memoir is a fascinating, thought-provoking book in which the author narrates his own story. The novel relates the ups and downs he experienced while he was building the insurance company SIAA, the Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance. The author’s memoir is a story of hard work, success and challenging problems related to the financial industry.
When I started reading the book, I first felt surprised, then entertained and amazed at the writer’s absorbing story. His life has been a journey through some fascinating experiences, and through some life-changing events. This book is very well-written. The author tells his memoir in a very direct and straightforward way which makes the book extremely appealing and engaging. I enjoyed this book a lot and I strongly recommend it.

[ZebraDebra · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Screw U: A Memoir” is an autobiographical book by Jim Masiello which explores in particular the author’s nightmarish experiences with the IRS and banks. It is a fascinating look into the unpleasant side of finance when jealousy and other negative factors cause havoc in the business world for unjust reasons.

I enjoyed the authors frank manner of writing and that he shares the things we don’t all get to hearing about. It is also an inspiring book if you want to make it in the world of high finance. You need to have courage, conviction and confidence. The challenges that Jim Masiello experienced are not for the faint of heart and yet he created his own successful business. This interesting book certainly deserves five stars.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Screw U: A Memoir is an autobiography by Jim Masiello, founder of the insurance giant SIAA, the Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance. He talked about his struggles with the IRS and the banks. It's an inspiring and quite an entertaining read. We were privy to see his humble beginnings and how he worked his butt off to get to where he is now. The real estate and insurance world is a big industry, especially here in Florida, so I also work around people in the same industry, this is something I would encourage them to read, to inspire them ,most especially if they can relate to the situations in the book. The way the book was written is such a Delight to read , like going to those parties, there's always this guy that has the most Amazing stories and that would be Jim Masiello.

[Ashley Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Screw U: A Memoir is a Len autobiographical telling of the life of Jim Masiello, founder of Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance, intermixed with information about finance and accounting, specifically on a government level. I picked up this book because of the author’s introduction, which was as attention-grabbing as it was impressive: “Hi, I’m Jim Masiello, the guy who stuck it to the banks and the IRS, getting away clean when I was in debt for over fourteen million dollars”. Anything detrimental when it comes to finances is already extremely stressful, but the stakes in Masiello’s case make for some wild stories. It was more interesting than expected, especially as Masiello reads as a hero sort against the IRS.

[Juan · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Screw U” is an eye-opening memoir written by Jim Masiello that pulls back the curtain on the darker side of the financial industry.
In this riveting account, he shares his personal experiences and encounters, revealing the ruthless nature that often lurks the professional and cordial façade of these places.
Masiello’s book is both compelling and cautionary as he takes us, with a fascinating writing style, on a rollercoaster ride through the world of money and high stakes.
I liked several things about this masterpiece, but what I liked the most was that his personal experiences serve as a wake-up call for those who may be unaware of the dangers keeping out of sight the financial industry.

[Susel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who works in the financial world, I had the best time reading Screw U: A Memoir. This fantastic book is an autobiography written by the incredible business man called Jim Masiello, who founded the insurance giant SIAA, the Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance.

I think this is a refreshing and eye-opening book that talks about the dark side of the financial industry. The author´s anecdotes are incredible and also serve as a cautionary tale. His struggles with the IRS kept me on the edge of me seat till the very end.

Masiello's writing style is engaging and motivating, making this book a must-read for anyone seeking for wisdom and inspiration. I truly recommend reading this incredible life story!

[Mary Maciejewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Screw U, A Memoir, by Jim Masiello, is a surprisingly enjoyable read about Masiello’s struggle with the bank and IRS over undue hundreds of millions of dollars. This situation led to the author’s founding the Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA). Masiello’s memoir is relevant to all of us as well. His unique encounters become familiar when we peek into his experiences and glean from his lessons with his bank and IRS dealings. We can use the details of this book in our own situations with the bank or IRS. We are not alone. And just as Masiello learned to adapt to his situation, and used all opportunities given to him, we too can benefit from this book. Screw U, A Memoir, by Jim Masiello, receives a well-earned five-star review from this reader.

[Ivan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Masiello writes with passion and determination, this memoir wasn´t easy to write, I imagine. Jim, the founder of a big insurance company, shares all the problems he had to go through against banks and the IRS, and how could he escape that nightmare.

I find this book inspiring and outraging at the same time. It's a clear example of how broken the system is, and shows how hardworking people are mistreated when a lot of money is in the line. I think it's a book destined for the new entrepreneur, to understand the dangers and prevent situations that can ruin business for good.

Overall, a great and enjoyable read, even though the title doesn´t seem that way.

[Azar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Screw U is a highly entertaining and interesting read. The author tells his story of his life as well as his business experience, mainly how he got out of owing $14 million to the IRS. The debt, according to him, was not his fault, but rather some unsympathetic banks. Reading this book feels like being at a motivational seminar, with the speaker loudly and enthusiastically recounting his successes, with him as the cool hero of every situation. The writing is easy to read and conversational, and the book is fairly short. I would recommend this book to other business owners, as getting out of debt owed the IRS would likely be a pretty satisfying story.

[Nela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Screw U by author Jim Masiello is a memoir of its author, the founder of the insurance giant SIAA, (the Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance). This is an interesting account of experiences in the financial world but it is not limited to the professional life of the author. It weaves unique elements that escape the formality and professionalism of the work world, providing at the same time an honest, fresh and motivating perspective.
To sum up, I liked this reading and found it very rich and helpful, specially while inspiring courage, determination, realism. All these values can be meaningful in anyone´s life and can be real motivation for any kind of reader.

[Saya Jacaranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

intriguing narrative

“Screw U: A Memoir” by Jim Masiello is a highly interesting and intriguing narrative of a man that goes to hell and back along with many difficulties on the way to become the successful person he is today. Today he is known as the founder of the insurance giant SIAA. But in order to get there, he had to face the IRS and several big banks hunting him and wanting to make things harder for him.
What I really loved about this book is that it doesn’t only show the bright side of being successful. It also shows how hard the process is and different ways to make it through. I would recommend reading it.

[Almiria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be in the world of high finance? “Screw U” is an autobiography that focuses primarily on the less pleasant side of this environment. The author Jim Masiello is the creator of the hugely successful insurance business called the Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance but few people know what hell he went through on his journey to achieving this. Now, thanks to this intriguing true story, we can all get a glimpse into what it is like to be unjustly treated by the IRS and, most importantly, how to cope with it and come out on top. I found this book a fascinating and insightful read.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Screw U: A Memoir" is a memoir written by Jim Masiello, and in these pages the author tells how he did to raise his company. In the process of building his company, Jim had to battle a devastating situation with the IRS and fend off a flurry of unlikely threats from big banks looking to bring him down.
I really enjoy reading overcoming stories, because, in my opinion, they are hopeful since they leave the reader with a feeling that everything is possible even when everything seems lost.
I recommend this book to all those people who are setting up their business, since the author, when recounting his experience, gives a lot of advice.

[Nicole Harmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Headline: He helped develop the industry by telling the banking industry to screw themselves.

The author wrote a memoir on his life building up an industry business and how he felt about his accomplishments. What I liked about this novel, as a person who has worked in the insurance industry but from a legal standpoint, is that it shows the other money aspect of the industry. But in prose.
What I didn't like about this novel was that each chapter appeared to start mid-sentence, but otherwise, the book was well-written.
I believe you will like this novel if you want to read it.

[Susan B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Screw U is a true story, and this is what makes it so captivating. The author had a real problem with the IRS and some banks and this is what inspired him to help us not to do the same.

The book is educational and, at some points, enlightening since it helps us surf the world of money and finance in a better way and prevent us from suffering while doing so.

It is written in the first person singular and in a straightforward way. It makes us open our eyes and live the finance world without worries.

I consider it a must-read for the new generations; it may help them a lot!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoir

This book is a memoir of a scrappy Italian immigrant, who took a hard look at his life and said that he would do things his way. Building a successful insurance company isn't easy, much less if you have the IRS, the bank and more coming after you. The author details all his encounters, how he handled them and still came out on top of his game. This is a great book to read if you like to root for the underdog and like to read about someone accomplishing his dreams. I liked the book and was able to see mich of myself in the book so it was very relatable for me.

[Mia C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book because it is a very well written memoir. The author tells his story and how he managed to find what he needed after very hard work. I think this can be inspiring and give hope to many people struggling with different issues.
Jim shares his stories and experiences in the pages of this book and I am sure many people will feel interested. These stories and experiences teach us something so it is a good idea to read this book.
Jim Masiello’s writing style is simple and fluid, so when I least noticed, I was about to finish reading this book, which is not very long.

[Santiago Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written story

The Accidental Cop is the story of a young man named Roberts Bergs who has to start making important decisions. He should choose to take a job which is not his dream job but he knows it is better than nothing.
It is a very good story set in Latvia at the end of the first post-Soviet decade. The author perfectly describes the time and place where events take place. I recommend it without a doubt. It is an entertaining story that is hard to put down once you start reading.