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 Posted on Ruth F. StevensVerified 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.Posted on DJVerified 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.Posted on Timothy BaldwinVerified 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.Posted on E.E.Verified 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.Posted on L BVerified 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!Posted on Sphinx_305Verified 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.Posted on Polly DJVerified 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.Posted on Alice M.Verified 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.Posted on karl harrisVerified 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.Posted on Helen WilliamsVerified 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.

“Deciphering Trump’s Trade War: The Impact and Outlook of the U.S. Economy Under the Current Administration”
This article evaluates the economic policies and strategies under the Trump administration, discussing their international and domestic implications. It reports a slight slowdown in US GDP growth to 2.4% in Q2 2025, and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. However, it also mentions significant increases in tariff revenues and capital expenditures. The article delves into the aggressive stance on tariffs against foreign territories such as China, the EU, Canada and Mexico. It also notes that the subsequent trade wars could increase the average household cost by about $1,683 in 2026. Moreover, the international backlash from these aggressive trade policies is steadily increasing, forcing firms and consumers to be aware and react accordingly. The author recommends readers to stay abreast with current political and economic developments.

“Inside the 2025 US Economic Landscape: Evaluating Trade Policies under Trump’s Administration”
The 2025 U.S. administration, led by President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, is navigating a period of moderate economic growth and challenging trade wars. GDP has seen an increase of ~2.4% in Q2, counterbalanced by a slight Q1 contraction. Unemployment is steady at around ~4.1%, while inflation is gradually rising. Future projections by OECD include a decrease in growth to 1.6%-1.7%, alongside a rise in inflation to 3.9%. Trump’s aggressive tariff regime is affecting trade relations with several countries. Despite visible milestones in fiscal policies and international agreements, issues like global economic slowdown, political backlash, and increased costs for American households are prevalent. The current administration’s approach is centered around economic growth and favorable trade deals for the U.S, spurring both positive milestones and international scrutiny.

“Decoding the 2025 U.S. Trade Policies: Impact and Outlook under President Trump’s Administration”
The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance has initiated varying economic and trade policies by mid-2025. The American GDP has seen an increase by about 2.4% in Q2, although unemployment figures remained at 4.1%. The Trump administration has executed an aggressive tariff regime, imposing rates between 15-50% across trade partners such as China, EU, Canada, and Mexico, causing additional costs to American households. Despite intense international backlash, including a looming global slowdown and a European boycott, the Trump administration continues to forge new trade agreements. The economic outlook remains unpredictable, with upcoming global trade relations promising dynamic and challenging transformations.

“Exploring The 2025 Trade Galaxy: An In-depth Look at Trump’s Bold Economic Tides and Strategies”
The 2025 US administration led by President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance has displayed assertive economic and trade strategies leading to alterations in global economic dynamics. The figures from second quarter indicated a moderate GDP increase by 2.4%, overcoming a slight downfall in previous quarter. Despite the predictions of slowed growth and inflation by OECD, other parameters like tariff revenues and wage growth for blue-collar workers show positive trends. Trump’s administration enforced aggressive tariffs ranging from 15-50% affecting trade relations with many countries including China, the EU, Canada, and Mexico. Consequences of these assertive policies are evident globally with indications of a global slowdown. These and future developments may reshape the U.S.’s approach towards economic and trade policies.