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 2025: The Enigmatic Shift in US Economy and Trade Policies Under the 47th President”
The article discusses the impact of Donald Trump, the 47th President, on the U.S. economy and trade policies after his inauguration in January 2025. The U.S. saw a GDP growth of approximately 2.4% in Q2 2025, an unemployment rate around 4.1%, and a CPI inflation rate between 2.7% and 2.9%. Trump’s aggressive tariff regime, with baseline rates between 15–50% on the EU, China, Canada, and Mexico, has led to international negotiations and legal issues. There are predictions of global economic slowdown due to U.S. policy choices. Despite the actions, the full impact of Trump’s policies on the international stage is yet to be seen.

“Decoding the 2025 Trump-Vance Administration: Economic Implications and Trade Policy Insights”
The Trump-Vance administration in 2025 is making significant impacts on economic and trade policies. The U.S economy is showing signs of slow but steady growth, with a GDP increase of 2.4% in Q2 and unemployment rates of 4.1%. There’s an expected deceleration in growth to around 1.6%-1.7% and inflation to reach ~3.9% by the year’s end. An aggressive tariff regime is prevailing with 15-50% baseline tariff rate levied on China, EU, Canada, and Mexico. Tariff negotiations with the EU and China are ongoing, while a strategic reduction of import duties has been reciprocated with a trade agreement with Japan worth around $550 billion. A potential slowdown is predicted globally by the OECD due to U.S. policies. In response, several regions are boycotting U.S. goods and travel. With the current socio-political and economic climate, staying informed is crucial.

“Unraveling the Political & Economic Tides of Trump’s Second Term, Mid-2025: From Trade Policies to Economic Shifts”
In 2025, Donald J. Trump is serving his second non-consecutive term as the U.S President, with J.D. Vance as Vice President. The economic landscape has seen some minor fluctuations with a small contraction in the GDP in Q1, but a growth of approximately 2.4% in Q2. The administration’s trade policies, which include imposing tariffs ranging from 15-50% on various countries, have both positive and negative effects. The US-Japan deal has boosted markets, but tariffs under USMCA face legal challenges and retaliatory measures. Domestically and globally, these policies have received backlash, with Europe initiating a boycott of U.S. goods and travel warnings issued due to U.S border policies. Despite this, the administration continues to actively engage in negotiations with other nations.

“Unveiling Trump’s 47th Presidency: Analyzing the Impacts of 2025’s Economic & Trade Policies on US and Global Economy”
The article reviews Donald Trump’s presidency during 2025, featuring a comprehensive examination of U.S. economic growth, trade policies, and resulting international impacts. As the 47th president, Trump instigated key policy initiatives alongside Vice President J.D. Vance. The U.S. saw GDP growth and significant tariff revenues but also faced domestic and international backlash against aggressive tariff policies. Tariff rates were increased for several countries, with an ongoing US-China negotiation and the US-Japan trade agreement emerging as key highlights. Despite modest global economic growth, Trump’s administration left an indelible impact on the economic and international front.