Wilf Wikkerink, CEO of Book Depot, one of North America’s top book wholesalers, exemplifies entrepreneurship and servant leadership. His leadership at Book Depot is characterized by a hands-on approach to problem-solving and a strong commitment to fostering team growth. Under his guidance, the company has not only expanded its market reach but also embraced 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 journey 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 later shaped his business philosophy.
After high school, he attended Dordt University in Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration, which laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures.
Wilf and his wife, Natalie, have six children—two boys and four girls—along with grandchildren. The family enjoys outdoor activities, skiing, playing Spikeball, and reading together.
Wilf Wikkerink’s Entrepreneurial Journey and Key Takeaways
Before joining Book Depot in 2005, Wilf Wikkerink spent nine years as a Partner and Operations Director at Legacy Entertainment, where he refined 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 instrumental when he transitioned to his leadership role at Book Depot, a company he has successfully led for 15 years.
Wilf Wikkerink’s Vision for Book Depot
When Wikkerink joined Book Depot, the company had already been in the wholesale bargain book business for over two decades. His focus was on reinforcing the company’s vision, strengthening relationships, and driving growth through strategic acquisitions and operational enhancements.
“At Book Depot, we understand that what doesn’t break you can make you stronger,” Wikkerink shared. “Our journey toward 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
Book Depot has invested millions of dollars in improving customer experience over the years. The company operates a 500,000-square-foot production facility equipped with advanced automation technology for efficient order fulfillment.
Book Depot continually updates its website to enhance the shopping experience. Several years ago, it underwent a complete redesign to ensure seamless functionality on any device, making online book shopping convenient and efficient. “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 the ease with which you can shop for bargain books from the convenience of your office, home, or on the go.”
Beyond technological upgrades, Book Depot has 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.”
Additionally, the company has expanded its customer service department, hiring new team members and providing them with extensive training to enhance customer support. “We have continued investing in the sales team by launching Salesforce. This will give our salespeople additional tools to grow and maintain excellent customer relations,” Wikkerink explains.
Wikkerink’s Drive to Overcome Challenges and Foster Innovation at Book Depot
Wikkerink’s entrepreneurial mindset and readiness to embrace challenges have been key to Book Depot’s success. While listening to the “How I Built This” podcast with Guy Raz, he was inspired by an entrepreneur who said, “When someone tells me that is the craziest idea I’ve heard of, then I know I’m on to something!”
“That really resonated with me, as many times in our business, we have sailed into uncharted waters and done things that others said could not be done,” Wikkerink explains. “Are we always successful? No, but you cannot continue to build a business without some bumps and bruises along the way—and those bruises usually make you stronger.”
Whether adapting to industry changes, implementing large-scale automation projects, or exploring new market opportunities, Wikkerink and his team have consistently demonstrated resilience and innovation.
Fostering a Winning Culture Through Servant Leadership
One of Wikkerink’s primary goals at Book Depot has been to ensure employees feel valued and that their ideas are heard. The company provides exceptional perks, including learning and career development opportunities through its own Book Depot University (BDU).
Book Depot’s culture extends beyond business; it emphasizes family. Wilf Wikkerink’s dedication to creating a workplace where employees feel valued has cultivated a strong sense of belonging. Employees frequently describe Book Depot as having a ‘family atmosphere.’
Wilf Wikkerink’s Faith and Outlook on Book Depot’s Future
Despite shifts in the book industry, physical books remain in demand. As e-book sales decline and independent bookstores regain popularity, Wikkerink sees significant opportunities for bookstore owners in the bargain book market.
“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,” Wikkerink shares. “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 confidence in the enduring appeal of physical books, combined with his strategic leadership and commitment to a strong workplace culture, positions Book Depot for continued success. By investing in employees, technology, and operational efficiency, he ensures the company remains a leader in the book industry.
“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 is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, servant leadership, and innovation. As he continues to lead the company toward new heights, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring business leaders worldwide.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had throughout my life and career,” Wikkerink said. “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.”
