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.

“Trump’s 2025 Trade Wars and Economic Trends: A Mid-Year Analysis”
In mid-2025, the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump is focusing on economic trends and trade policies. Trump, in his second non-consecutive term as President with J.D. Vance as Vice President, has the US economy showing signs of modest growth with GDP rising by approximately 2.4% in Q2. The OECD predicts growth between 1.6% – 1.7% by year-end and inflation is expected to rise to about 3.9%. Trade tariffs implemented by the administration across China, EU, Canada, and Mexico range between 15-50%. Despite resistance from the Court of International Trade, Trump stands firm on his aggressive stance. The tariff regime has led to prediction of a global slow down with US growth being reduced. The uncertainty resulting from these policies reportedly has a modest impact on UK firms with an average exposure of nearly 3% revenue from the U.S. Some of these policies may lead to a gradual increase in consumer and business prices. Despite the uncertainty, the current situation also allows for the opportunity to make informed decisions to navigate potential challenges.

“Inside the 2025 U.S. Economic and Trade Landscape: The Second Term of President Trump”
The article presents an overview of the economic and trade outlook of the U.S. under the administration of President Donald Trump in 2025. The 47th president’s second term, along with Vice President J.D. Vance, sees significant policy initiatives. Despite a slight contraction in the first quarter, the GDP shows a modest rise of about 2.4% in the second quarter. The country enjoys a good job market landscape with an unemployment rate of around 4.1%. However, the aggressive tariff policy adopted by the Trump administration, especially against China, EU, Canada, and Mexico, significantly impacts global relations and trade dynamics. Trade challenges are apparent with Canada and Mexico due to the imposed 25% tariffs, but U.S.-Japan relations improve due to lowered import duties averaging at 15%. Negotiations with China are unpredictable and could lead to a tariff truce above 55%. Despite these developments, the OECD warns of a global slowdown and pressured growth prospects. The changing political landscape of the U.S. brings inevitable policy changes, highlighting the importance of staying informed.

“Traversing Through the Dynamic Economic Terrain: A Deep Dive into Trump’s 2025 Administration”
In 2025, under President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, the US economy sees a GDP growth of about 2.4% in Q2 despite a minor contraction in Q1. Unemployment rates are at 4.1%, core CPI at 2.7 – 2.9%, with forecasts predict an annual growth of 1.6 – 1.7% and an inflation tendency of 3.9%. Tariff revenues are projected to reach around $200 billion, 1.7% growth in blue-collar wages, and a 16.6% increase in capital expenditures. Trade policies are marked by aggressive tariffs with baseline rates of 15-50% on major trading partners like China, EU, Canada, and Mexico. While some trade relations have proven beneficial like the US-Japan agreement, others like the US-China relation remain uncertain. Trump’s aggressive policies have invited ramifications like a global slowdown warning by OECD and boycotts of US goods in Europe. Amidst unpredictable economic shifts, citizens are encouraged to stay vigilant and informed about governmental policies.

“Trump’s Trade and Economic Impact: A Mid-Year Assessment for 2025”
Six months into his term, President Donald Trump’s assertive economic and trade policies have engendered significant domestic and global changes. Q2 GDP growth has seen a resurgence, unemployment has dropped to around 4.1%, and tariff revenues stand at approximately $200 billion. However, his aggressive tariff regime has strained international relations, particularly with China, the EU, Canada, and Mexico. Legal challenges regarding Trump’s tariffs have begun, with the Court of International Trade claiming the tariffs imposed under IEEPA exceeded presidential authority. These measures may also negatively impact American households’ expenses and market income. Internationally, the OECD warns of an impending global slowdown, with inflation rising and U.S. growth decelerating. Despite some areas of tension, U.S.-U.K. negotiations and Pakistan show promising progress. The coming months will reveal more about the long-term implications of Trump’s economic and trade strategies.