AUTHOR • ENTREPRENEUR • VETERAN • CONCERNED CITIZEN
Built by Melvin: Stories, Business & Bold Ideas
Welcome to the digital home of Melvin Coates — where powerful stories meet real-world business and fearless thinking. From bestselling books to bold insights, explore what drives the movement.

Bold Moves Start Here
From books to big ideas — Melvin is redefining what it means to lead with purpose and voice.

Who We Are
Empowering Voices, Elevating Impact
Melvin doesn’t just speak — he inspires action. With decades of experience in storytelling, leadership, and authorship, we help individuals and organizations grow through clarity, strategy, and purpose-driven transformation.
- Proven frameworks for brand growth
- Purpose-led storytelling for real change
- Decades of leadership
- Transformative coaching experiences
- Trusted by professionals worldwide
- Clarity that drives results
FEATURED BOOKS
Words That Move, Stories That Matter
Explore a collection of bold, thought-provoking books by Melvin Coates. Whether you're searching for motivation, insight, or transformation — there's a story here that speaks directly to you.
EXCELLENT Based on 139 reviews Ruth F. Stevens2025-07-09Verified Jessicas's Two Dads: Travels to the Middle East (Jessica's Two Dads) | Nice intro to the Middle East for kids This is a nice way to introduce young children to the sights, history and culture of the Middle East. It also encourages diversity and acceptance of mores and beliefs that may differ from our own. Many of the illustrations show one-dimensional cartoonish drawings of Jessica and her two dads, superimposed on photos of actual tourist sites like the Pyramids. I found these a bit cheesy, but that was my only issue with the book. DJ2025-01-03Verified Jessicas's Two Dads: Travels to the Middle East (Jessica's Two Dads) | Recommended Jessica’s Two Dads: Travels to the Middle East is a delightful story of family, love, and cultural exploration. With engaging storytelling and meaningful lessons, it’s perfect for young readers and families alike. Timothy Baldwin2024-12-28Verified Jessicas's Two Dads: Travels to the Middle East (Jessica's Two Dads) | neat story, horrid illustrations If the illustrations within the story matched the illustrations on the cover, I think this would be top notch. But the illustrations, in some sections, read like they were made from clip art and poorly placed on scenes from the Middle East. Highly recommend the author have the illustrations redone. E.E.2024-12-27Verified Jessicas's Two Dads: Travels to the Middle East (Jessica's Two Dads) | Teaches kids important values. This book would help kids understand that it is important to respect cultures of places they visit. Books like this shows kids the beauty of the different countries around the world. L B2024-08-20Verified Jessicas's Two Dads: Travels to the Middle East (Jessica's Two Dads) | Fun Story About Travel! "Jessica's Two Dads: Travel to the Middle East" by Melvin Coates is a beautifully illustrated children's book that follows Jessica and her dads on an amazing adventure around the world. Exploring ancient sites and diverse cultures, the story offers readers valuable insights into global issues. My niece loved this book! Sphinx_3052024-08-18Verified Jessicas's Two Dads: Travels to the Middle East (Jessica's Two Dads) | Alla scoperta del rispetto e del mondo Ho preso questo libro per mia nipote e devo dire che è stato un grande successo. La storia segue Jessica e i suoi due papà mentre esplorano il Medio Oriente, ed è davvero dolce e piena di amore. Mia nipote è rimasta affascinata dalle bellissime illustrazioni e ha amato l'idea di viaggiare e scoprire nuove culture insieme alla sua famiglia. Mi è piaciuto molto come il libro insegna l'importanza di rispettare e apprezzare la diversità culturale, il tutto in un modo accessibile e coinvolgente per i bambini. È diventato subito uno dei suoi preferiti, e lo rilegge spesso. Consiglio vivamente questo libro a chiunque cerchi una bella storia di famiglia con un messaggio positivo. Polly DJ2024-08-17Verified Jessicas's Two Dads: Travels to the Middle East (Jessica's Two Dads) | Great book! This was a great way to introduce a child to the idea of traveling to new countries. It explored diversity of religion and culture. I liked how a lot of the illustrations were super imposed on real pictures from Egypt, Kuwait and Iraq. Alice M.2024-08-09Verified Jessicas's Two Dads: Travels to the Middle East (Jessica's Two Dads) | Book to help children learn about other places I liked that the protagonist travels with her two parents and visits other cultures. This is the kind of book that helps to have a more open mind. But in this case, I didn't like the images in which the countries appear. Putting the characters inside photographs is forced. It would have been better to use illustrations, as in the rest of the book. karl harris2024-08-08Verified Jessicas's Two Dads: Travels to the Middle East (Jessica's Two Dads) | sweet story! A very sweet story if two dads exploring the world and keeping in touch with their daughter. A great book for children with traveling parents. Helen Williams2024-08-08Verified Jessicas's Two Dads: Travels to the Middle East (Jessica's Two Dads) | Very nice Cute book about love and family. I appreciate the openness of a real family sharing memories together. Cute pictures and story
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
Inspiration, Influence & Independent Success: Read the Latest Insights
Explore actionable advice, powerful stories, and behind-the-scenes lessons from Melvin Coates. Whether you’re chasing purpose, building influence, or launching your first book — every blog post delivers value with heart.

When Journalism Serves Power Instead of Challenging It Why the CBS News Shift Matters
The leadership shift at CBS News, placing Bari Weiss—known for her anti-woke stance—at the helm, signals a concerning turn toward politically aligned journalism. This move risks compromising media neutrality during a critical election year, potentially reshaping public perception and trust in the press. In a fragile democratic landscape, the role of journalism must remain rooted in accountability and truth.

Prosecutorial Integrity Under Pressure The Battle Between Justice and Political Retaliation
A federal prosecutor in Virginia is reportedly resisting political pressure to bring retaliatory charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James, highlighting concerns over the weaponization of the justice system. The article explores the broader implications of using legal institutions for political retribution, emphasizing the importance of integrity and impartiality. Through a veteran’s lens, it calls for a recommitment to justice beyond partisan lines to preserve democratic values.

How the Internet Fuels Mass Shootings More Than Ideology and What the Media Gets Wrong
The article argues that the internet—not ideology—is the primary driver behind the current wave of mass shootings, fostering an online culture that glorifies violence and rewards notoriety. It criticizes the media and political figures for focusing on partisan blame while ignoring the role of digital radicalization. The piece calls for accountability from tech platforms and a reevaluation of how violence is discussed and reported.

How Democrats Turned the Government Shutdown Risk Into a Political Win
Democrats took a calculated political risk during the government shutdown standoff by standing firm against far-right obstruction, and it appears to be resonating with voters. Unlike past shutdowns, public opinion is largely blaming Republican hardliners, while Democrats’ unified and values-driven approach is being recognized. This moment may signal a shift in Democratic leadership — from defensive to bold and principled.