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.

“2025 US Administration: Revolutionizing International Trade, Bolstering Economic Growth & Navigating Diplomatic Challenges under Trump-Vance Leadership”
The article discusses the economic policies and international outlook of the 2025 US Administration led by President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. The administration’s policies have led to a GDP growth of 2.4% and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. Despite a court ruling against tariffs imposed under the IEEPA, the administration continues to implement aggressive tariffs which have repercussions for consumers and businesses. Changes in international relationships, including disputes with China, the EU, Canada, and Mexico, are also covered in the report. However, despite potential global economic slowdowns, negotiations with countries like the UK and Pakistan show promise. While current economic indicators appear positive, future policy impacts and implications are still developing.

“Unpacking the Impact: A Mid-Year Review of the 2025 U.S. Trade Policies and Economic Performance”
The 47th U.S. presidency, led by President Donald Trump in his second non-consecutive term and Vice President J.D. Vance, has implemented aggressive economic and trade policies that have sparked worldwide debate but also seen an overall GDP growth. Despite a minor contraction in Q1, a 2.4% GDP growth was observed in Q2 while unemployment stayed low at 4.1%. The treasury reports significant milestones, including a surge in tariff revenues to $200 billion in FY2025 and a blue-collar wage growth of around 1.7%.
Trump’s stringent tariff regime has strained trade relations with many countries, including China, EU, Canada, and Mexico, generating baseline rates of 15–50%. Nevertheless, successful negotiations with Japan saw a decrease in import duties to around 15%, inciting a market rally on a deal valued around $550 billion investments. However, concerns are growing around a global slowdown predicted by the OECD and rising trade uncertainties notably witnessed in the UK. Despite these challenges, the Trump administration’s economic policies, although aggressive, are driving significant domestic growth – an impact that will continue to shape the global economic landscape.

“2025 Mid-Year Review: Trump’s Presidency, U.S. Economic Policies, and Their Global Impact”
Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance lead the United States as of January 2025. Economic indicators show a 2.4% GDP growth rate in Q2 2025, following a slight contraction in Q1. The unemployment rate is around 4.1%, with an inflation rate between 2.7% and 2.9%. Trump’s administration is characterized by an aggressive tariff regime, imposing tariffs as high as 50% on various nations. The OECD forecasts a growth rate of 1.6%-1.7% and an inflation rate of about 3.9% by year-end, arguing that the tariff policy and related trade tensions are fueling global economic uncertainty. Tensions are also high on the international front with ongoing trade wars and a global slowdown forecast. These economic policies have increased domestic household expenses and hindered global trade relations. The implications of these policy changes on the global economy remain uncertain.

“Trump’s 2025 Reign: An Insight into the Economic Landscape and Trade Policy Developments”
Under the administration of President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, mid-2025 sees a mixed U.S. economic performance, with a Q2 GDP growth of around 2.4%, despite a slight contraction in Q1, and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. Inflation falls between 2.7-2.9%, but the OECD predicts this to rise to 3.9% by year end, alongside a slowing growth to 1.6-1.7%. Tariff revenues have approximately reached $200 billion, while blue-collar wage growth and capital expenditures recorded at 1.7% and 16.6% respectively.
In line with its trade policy, the Trump administration has imposed tariffs ranging between 15-50% across China, EU, Canada, and Mexico, and endeavors to maintain this aggressive stance despite the International Trade Court’s ruling against such enforcement. A notable development includes a trade agreement with Japan resulting in around $550 billion in investments, causing a stock market rally. However, the tariffs have increased costs to households, averaging around $1,296 in 2025, and predicted to rise to $1,683 in 2026.
Internationally, the OECD warns of a potential global slowdown, affected by unpredictable US trade, rising inflation, and a slow climb to an estimated worldwide growth of 2.9% in 2025-26. UK firms particularly bear the brunt due to increased trade uncertainty, despite their relatively low exposure to U.S. trade. Meanwhile, discontent is brewing in Europe against U.S. goods and border policies. Regardless of these challenges, Trump’s administration continues to shape the domestic and international economic scenarios through its bold policies.