The Familia Michoacana was reportedly governed by a council, led by Nazario Moreno Gonzalez, alias "El Chayo" or "El Mas Loco," until his death on December 12, 2010. He is believed to have been one of the original commanders of the Milenio Cartel, and contributed much to the Familia's cult-like reputation. He was a devout evangelical, allegedly inspired by Christian writer John Eldredge’s “Wild At Heart.” Members of the Familia were reportedly required to study a book of Moreno’s own quasi-spiritual writings entitled “Thoughts,” which includes New Age maxims like “Don't view your obstacles as problems, but accept them and discover in them the opportunity to improve yourself.” Moreno also cited religious fundamentalist Carlos Cuauhtemoc Sanchez and motivational speaker Miguel Angel Cornejo as inspirations.