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.

“Decoding Economic Trends: Trump’s Impact on U.S. Economy and Trade Policies in 2025”
The article “Decoding Economic Trends: Trump’s Impact on U.S. Economy and Trade Policies in 2025” provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic conditions under the Trump administration. The U.S. economy shows steady performance in 2025 with a GDP growth of around 2.4% in Q2, and an expected annual growth rate between 1.6% and 1.7% by year-end, despite an inflation rate of 3.9%. However, Trump’s aggressive tariff policies have led to mixed global responses, significant turnarounds such as a potential $550 billion US-Japan agreement, and household costs reduction due to market income decrease by 1.4%. The international scene presents a slowdown in global growth, strengthened by U.S. economic slowdown and rising inflation, and societal backlashes from European nations against U.S. policies.

“Inside the Economic Ripple: An Examination of Trade and Economic Policies Under the 47th U.S. Presidency”
President Trump has continued implementing stringent tariffs on China, EU, Canada, & Mexico, with rates around 15-50% by mid-2025. U.S. economy showed mixed signals with GDP growth of 2.4% in Q2 despite a Q1 contraction. The country’s inflation and unemployment rates as of mid-2025 were 2.9% and 4.1%, respectively. Notwithstanding, OECD forecast indicates a slow in the economy by end of 2025. The current US administration’s aggressive trade policies have led to varied relations with different nations, with the US-China, US-Canada-Mexico trade wars still ongoing although a US-Japan trade agreement appears promising. International and regional developments bring concerns of a global slowdown, as suggested by the OECD.

“Trump’s Second Term: A Mid-Year Review of the 2025 Trade, Economic Policies, and International Developments”
In 2025, Donald Trump’s administration has been defined by strong economic measures and aggressive trade policies. The US has experienced steady GDP growth of approximately 2.4% in Q2 2025 and stable unemployment at around 4.1%. Inflation is currently in the range of 2.7% to 2.9%. The OECD predicts growth will slow to 1.6% to 1.7% by year end with inflation around 3.9%. Notably, the treasury achieved over $200 billion in tariff revenues in 2025. Persistent tariffs on China, the EU, Canada, and Mexico have sparked legal challenges, but a trade agreement with Japan has reduced import duties. The OECD issues warnings of a potential global slowdown, but US firms show resilience. Negotiations for trade agreements with the UK and Pakistan are reaching notable milestones. The rest of Trump’s term will determine the impact of these policies.

“Shifting Tides in Global Trade: Unraveling the Impact of Trump’s 2025 Administration on U.S. Economic Policies”
The 2025 U.S. Administration, led by President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, has been driving significant changes in the U.S. economy and global trade, with an aggressive tariff regime. The second quarter of 2025 saw a GDP growth of approximately 2.4%, with unemployment at around 4.1%. However, tariffs have caused international tension with China, the EU, Canada, and Mexico, and have brought about U.S. legal issues. This administration’s economic policies have been met with warnings of a global economic slowdown by the OECD. Stay updated with daily reports on U.S. administration’s policies and their international influences.