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 Amazon 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 Amazon 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 Amazon 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 Amazon 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 Amazon 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 Amazon 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 Amazon 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 Amazon 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 Amazon 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 Amazon 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 Tariffs: U.S Economy and Global Impact Analysis”
Under the leadership of 47th U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in 2025, the administration implements economic policies and trade tariffs that have global implications. In Q2 2025, the U.S. economy grew by 2.4%, and unemployment was around 4.1%. Also, core CPI inflation landed around between 2.7%-2.9%, with the OECD predicting a growth rate of 1.6%-1.7% by the end of 2025 and inflation reaching 3.9%.
The Trump administration imposed aggressive tariffs, ranging from 15% to 50%, on a number of major global trade players including China, the EU, Canada, and Mexico. There were various responses to this, including the U.S-Japan trade agreement which decreased import duties to 15%, showing markets rallying on a deal valued around $550 billion. Legal challenges were filed against the tariff policy, even halting its enforcement after the Court of International Trade ruled in May 2025 that the tariffs exceeded presidential authority.
Internationally, the OECD predicted a global slowdown in 2025-2026 due to rising inflation and U.S. growth trimming. There were various negative impacts on businesses due to trade uncertainties, but the average exposure was low at around 3% revenue from the U.S. Several trade negotiations were underway including the U.S.–U.K deal and an agreement with Pakistan nearing the final stages before the August 1 deadline. The Trump administration’s policies continued to face challenges as a European boycott movement targeted U.S. goods and travel warnings over U.S. border policies were issued.

“Decoding Trump’s 2025 Economic Policies: Impact on U.S and Global Economies”
Mid-2025 sees President Trump in his second non-consecutive term, advancing bold trade & economic policies. Current U.S economy shows mixed signals with a GDP growth of 2.4% & stable unemployment of 4.1%. However, predictions for year end lean towards decreased economic growth at 1.6%-1.7% & increased inflation at 3.9%. Trump’s key initiative is aggressive tariffs imposing 15%-50% baseline rates on major economic nations, with implications such as rising US household costs and impact on global economies like UK firms & European boycotts. These policies demand thorough understanding to navigate their possible impacts on domestic and international scales.

“Decoding the 2025 Trump Administration: A Comprehensive Overview of Trade Policies, Economic Trends and International Impacts”
President Donald J. Trump’s re-election in January 2025 has set significant benchmarks for the U.S. economy and international trade. The country’s economic indicators demonstrate a mixed scenario with a 2.4% GDP growth in Q2 2025, 4.1% unemployment rate, and a 2.7%-2.9% inflation rate. The Trump administration’s trade policies favor an aggressive tariff strategy on several other nations, with rates ranging from 15%-50%. However, these changes have led to considerable market dynamism, including a potential $550 billion investment deal from the U.S.-Japan trade agreement. Despite warnings of a global slowdown, the world economy appears to be adjusting to this new landscape. These events underline the importance of monitoring policy changes and economic indicators, given the administration’s substantial influence on local and global economies.

“Decoding the 2025 U.S. Economy and Trade Policy Under Trump: Growth, Tariffs, and International Ripple Effects”
The U.S. economy and trade policy in 2025 under President Donald Trump are characterized by notable growth rates, aggressive tariff impositions, and significant international impacts. With a GDP growth of approximately 2.4% in Q2, and unemployment as low as 4.1%, the economy shows promising resilience. However, steep tariffs have affected international business relationships. Trump’s administration implemented baseline tariff rates between 15–50% across China, EU, Canada, and Mexico, leading to geopolitical ripples and ongoing trade negotiations. Trade decisions so far have projected an average household cost increase due to rising tariffs, with consumer prices expected to rise by 2%. The OECD warns that economic slowdown may occur due to these financial fluctuations. The impacts of these policies on the rest of Trump’s term remain unknown, as trade negotiations are continuously evolving.