Michael L. Gooch, SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) is the Corporate Director of Human Resources for Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, a fortune 500 company and the nation's largest poultry company. Pilgrim's Pride is consistently recognized on Fortune's list of "America's Most Admired Companies."

Prior to this, he worked in a variety of human resources positions at several locations for ConAgra Foods. Mr. Gooch has also held managerial positions in Ladish Company, Armco Steel, Morton, Del Monte USA, RJR, Tiffany Furniture and Prescolite. In addition to operating an independent consulting practice, Mr. Gooch previously held a consulting position for Traveler's Insurance.

Through the years, Mr. Gooch has won numerous eminent industry and governmental awards in leadership, teamwork, and safety. Mr. Gooch has authored newsletter articles on a variety of management topics and is the author of the book Wingtips with Spurs in the Lessons from the Ranch series.

Time not devoted to human resources management is spent on his 500 acre ranch raising registered Angus beef cattle.

Wingtips With Spurs: Cowboy Wisdom For Today's Business Leaders

Review from Multi-Media Productions, Inc.  —  The lure of the open plain, boots, chaps and cowboy hats makes us think of a different and better way of life. The cowboy code of honor is an image that is alive and well in our hearts and minds, and its wisdom is timeless. Using ranch based stories, author Michael Gooch, a ranch owner, tells us how to apply cowboy wisdom to our everyday management challenges. Serving up straight forward, practical advice, the book deals with issues of dealing with conflict, strategic thinking, ethics, having fun at work, hiring and firing, building strong teams, and knowing when to run from trouble.

A unique (and fun!) approach to management training, Wingtips with Spurs is a must read whether you are new to management or a grizzled veteran.