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 Economic Rollercoaster: Examining the Impact and Future Outlook of Trade and Economic Policies in 2025”
In 2025, the U.S. economy experienced mixed results under President Trump’s administration. With an increased GDP growth of 2.4% in Q2 and a stable unemployment rate of 4.1%, the administration saw economic milestones including tariff revenues amounting to around $200 billion in FY2025, 1.7% wage growth for blue-collar workers, and 16.6% capital expenditures. However, the aggressive tariff regime imposed by Trump sparked mixed reviews. Trade wars ensued with Canada and Mexico, while import duties were reduced to 15% through a U.S.-Japan trade agreement. Ongoing U.S.-China tariff negotiations were also taking place. On an international level, the OECD warned of a global slowdown and a European boycott movement targeted U.S. goods. The aggressive trade policies have resulted in increased revenues, though critics point to a potential economic slowdown and rising inflation. Monitoring these political and economic changes is vital.

“An Inside Look at the Trump Era 2.0: Economic Policies, Global Impact & the 2025 Outlook”
This blog post takes a comprehensive look at the ongoing Trump administration and its economic policies, with an emphasis on its effect domestically and globally. The U.S. economy is currently showing mixed signs with GDP growth experiencing fluctuations and the unemployment rate remaining steady around 4.1%. However, OECD forecasts predict slowed growth and a potential rise in inflation. Under President Trump’s tariff regime, aggressive tariffs have been placed against numerous countries, leading to domestic and international unrest and complex trade relations. Regions like the UK and EU are already feeling the impacts, with potential global economic slowdown predicted by OECD. Despite the challenges, the Trump administration continues to make bold policy moves that shape the U.S. economy and international relations.

“Trump’s Second Reign: A Mid-2025 Evaluation of the US Economy and International Outlook”
By mid-2025, the U.S. administration led by President Donald Trump and VP J.D. Vance maintains assertive economic and trade strategies. The country’s GDP growth is moderately steady at 2.4%, with an unemployment rate of around 4.1%. The inflation rate stands at about 2.7%-2.9% while the OECD predicts it to rise to 3.9% by year-end with growth rate settling around 1.6%–1.7%.
Trade implications involve high tariff impositions ranging from 15–50% on imports from China, EU, Canada, and Mexico. Despite legal implications and predictions of rising household costs, advancements include trade agreements like the $550 billion US-Japan deal, and ongoing negotiations with EU and China.
However, these policies are amidst an OECD warning of a global slowdown and negative impacts on UK firms due to trade uncertainties. As these factors could potentially impact the nation’s future, staying informed through reliable sources is vital.

“Decoding Trump’s 2025 Administration: Economic Trends, Trade Policies, and Global Impact”
After Donald J. Trump took over as the U.S. President in January 2025 with Vice President J.D. Vance, several changes in the country’s trade and economic policies are evident. Mid-2025 economic indicators suggest a GDP growth of 2.4% in Q2, unemployment stabilizing at 4.1%, and the inflation core CPI between 2.7% – 2.9%. However, experts anticipate growth to range between 1.6% – 1.7% and inflation rates surging to around 3.9% by end-2025. Trump’s aggressive tariff ideology against China, EU, Canada, and Mexico sees rates between 15% to 50%. This move faced legal challenges, and projections show an average household cost increase from ~$1,296 in 2025 to ~$1,683 in 2026, impacting market income by about 1.4%. Trade policies reportedly had varied impacts globally and domestically, leading to social and political backlash. As 2025 progresses, the effects of these policy changes on the national and global economy remain under observation.