Wilf Wikkerink, the CEO of Book Depot, a leading book wholesaler in North America, exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and servant leadership. His leadership at Book Depot is characterized by a hands-on approach to challenges and a deep commitment to fostering the growth and development of his team. Under his guidance, Book Depot has expanded its market reach and cultivated a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
“I joined the company in 2005, and since then, I’ve been dedicated to sharing Book Depot’s vision with our employees, customers, and suppliers,” Wikkerink shared. “Building strong, lasting relationships is important to me, both locally and abroad. I enjoy the challenges and rewards of growing our business, whether through organic growth or acquisitions. At Book Depot, we focus on bringing together the right people and investing in technology and automation to continuously improve our operations.”
Wikkerink’s story began on a family dairy farm on Vancouver Island, where he was raised by Dutch immigrant parents. This upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and an appreciation for building lasting relationships—values that would shape his future business endeavors.
After high school, Wikkerink attended Dordt University in Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, laying the foundation for his future entrepreneurial ventures.
Wilf and his wife, Natalie, have six children—two sons and four daughters—and are also blessed with grandchildren. The family enjoys outdoor activities, skiing, playing Spikeball, and reading books together.
Wilf Wikkerink’s Entrepreneurial Journey and Key Lessons
Before joining Book Depot in 2005, Wilf Wikkerink spent nine years as a Partner and Operations Director at Legacy Entertainment, where he sharpened his business management skills.
“My business partner and I built a successful budget music company, which we eventually sold to a UK-based company,” Wikkerink explained. “This experience taught me valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and business management.”
These lessons proved crucial as Wikkerink transitioned to his role at Book Depot, where he has served as CEO for 15 years.
Wilf Wikkerink’s Vision for Book Depot
When Wikkerink joined Book Depot, the company had been in the wholesale bargain book industry for over 20 years. He focused on sharing the company’s vision, building strong relationships, and driving growth through strategic acquisitions and operational improvements.
“At Book Depot, we understand that what doesn’t break you can make you stronger,” Wikkerink shared. “Our journey towards becoming Canada’s Best Managed Company has been defined by our unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.”
Book Depot’s Commitment to Enhancing the Customer Experience
Over the years, Book Depot has invested millions of dollars in improving the customer experience. The company operates a 500,000-square-foot production facility that uses advanced automated technology to fulfill orders efficiently.
Book Depot continuously updates its website to enhance the customer experience. Several years ago, the company redesigned its website to ensure it functions seamlessly on any device, providing customers with a smooth shopping experience online. “If you haven’t been on our website in the last three years, please take a look,” Wikkerink encourages. “I know you’ll be impressed with what you see and how easy it is to shop for bargain books from your office, home, or on the go.”
In addition to technology and infrastructure investments, Book Depot has also strengthened its sales and customer service teams. “Today, our sales team has a combined experience in the book industry of over 80 years, bringing a wealth of product knowledge,” Wikkerink shared. “Whether you prefer to shop online or over the phone, our sales team is ready to assist you and tailor a list of products to meet your specific needs.”
The company has also bolstered its customer service department by adding new team members and providing them with the training necessary to deliver exceptional support to Book Depot’s customers. “We have continued investing in the sales team by launching Salesforce, giving our salespeople additional tools to grow and maintain excellent customer relations,” Wikkerink explains.
Wikkerink’s Drive to Embrace Challenges and Foster Innovation at Book Depot
Wikkerink’s entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to embrace challenges have been key to Book Depot’s success. Inspired by an entrepreneur on the “How I Built This” podcast, who said, “When someone tells me that is the craziest idea I’ve heard of, then I know I’m on to something!” Wikkerink found this philosophy resonated with his own experiences in business.
“That really struck a chord with me, as many times in our business, we have ventured into uncharted waters and done things others said could not be done,” Wikkerink explains. “Are we always successful? No, but you can’t continue to build a business without some bumps and bruises along the way—and those bruises usually make you stronger.”
Whether navigating industry changes, undertaking ambitious automation projects, or exploring new market opportunities, Wikkerink and his team have consistently shown their ability to adapt and thrive.
Building a Winning Culture Through Servant Leadership
Creating an environment where employees feel valued and encouraging new ideas from everyone has been one of Wikkerink’s primary goals at Book Depot. The company’s employees enjoy exceptional perks, including learning and career development opportunities through Book Depot University (BDU).
Book Depot’s culture extends beyond business; it’s about family. Wilf Wikkerink’s dedication to creating an environment that values every employee and welcomes new ideas has fostered a sense of belonging among the team. This commitment to nurturing a winning culture resonates with Book Depot’s employees, who often describe the company as having a ‘family atmosphere.’
Wilf Wikkerink’s Faith and Vision for Book Depot’s Future
Despite significant changes in the book industry, book lovers still cherish the experience of holding a printed book. With the decline of e-book sales and the resurgence of independent bookstores, Wikkerink believes bargain books present a significant opportunity for bookstore owners.
“There is continued good news in the industry about printed book sales being up, the decline of e-book sales, and the overall positive outlook by independent booksellers,” according to Wikkerink. “We are hearing encouraging reports from many of our customers that business is growing, and their customers are delighted to have a local bookstore where they can browse, shop, and generally spend a few hours ‘hanging out.’”
Wikkerink’s faith in the enduring appeal of physical books, his strategic vision, and his commitment to building a winning culture, position Book Depot for continued success in the years ahead. Book Depot’s continued leadership in the book market is ensured by Wikkerink’s investments in personnel, technology, and operational excellence.
“We are confident in the future of books and the book industry, but ultimately, our trust and faith lie not in the things we possess, but in our Heavenly Father who guides and directs us,” Wikkerink concluded.
Wilf Wikkerink’s journey from a dairy farm to the CEO of Book Depot highlights the power of entrepreneurship, servant leadership, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. As he continues to steer the company toward new heights, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring business leaders everywhere.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had throughout my life and career,” Wikkerink declared. “I look forward to continuing to lead Book Depot, working with our fantastic team, and serving our customers and suppliers to the best of my ability.”
