Wilf Wikkerink and the Growth of Book Depot

Wilf Wikkerink, CEO of Book Depot, one of North America’s foremost book wholesalers, exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and servant leadership. His leadership style focuses on hands-on problem-solving and a strong dedication to fostering the growth and success of his team. Under his guidance, Book Depot has not only expanded its market share but has also nurtured a culture of ongoing 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 expressed. “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 dairy farm on Vancouver Island, where he was raised by Dutch immigrant parents. His upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a belief in the value of lasting relationships – principles that would go on to shape his business ventures.

After completing high school, Wikkerink attended Dordt University in Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, laying the foundation for his future entrepreneurial pursuits.

Wilf and his wife, Natalie, have six children—two boys and four girls—and they are blessed with grandchildren. The family enjoys outdoor activities, skiing, playing Spikeball, and reading books together.

Wilf Wikkerink’s Entrepreneurial Journey and Insights

Before joining Book Depot in 2005, Wilf Wikkerink spent nine years as a Partner and Operations Director at Legacy Entertainment. This experience allowed him to refine his skills in business management.

“My business partner and I built a successful budget music company, which we eventually sold to a UK-based company,” Wikkerink shared. “This experience taught me invaluable lessons in entrepreneurship and business management.”

These lessons played a crucial role in Wikkerink’s successful transition to Book Depot, a company he has led as CEO for over 15 years.

Wilf Wikkerink’s Vision for Book Depot

When Wikkerink joined Book Depot, the company had been a key player in the wholesale bargain book industry for over two decades. His focus was on sharing the company’s vision, building strong partnerships, and driving growth through strategic acquisitions and operational enhancements.

“At Book Depot, we understand that what doesn’t break you makes you stronger,” Wikkerink remarked. “Our path to becoming Canada’s Best Managed Company has been driven by our unyielding commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.”

Book Depot’s Investment in Customer Experience

Book Depot has consistently invested millions into improving the customer experience. Their 500,000-square-foot production facility is equipped with cutting-edge automation technology to efficiently process orders.

The company also places a strong emphasis on enhancing its digital presence. A few years ago, Book Depot completely overhauled its website, ensuring it is mobile-friendly and provides a seamless online shopping experience for customers. “If you haven’t visited our website in the last three years, please take a look,” Wikkerink encouraged. “You’ll be impressed by the ease of shopping for bargain books from wherever you are—at home, in the office, or on the go.”

Beyond technology, Book Depot has also strengthened its sales and customer service teams. “Today, our sales team boasts over 80 years of combined experience in the book industry, along with unparalleled product knowledge,” Wikkerink noted. “Whether you shop online or prefer to place orders by phone, our team is ready to tailor recommendations to your specific needs.”

The company also continues to invest in enhancing its customer service operations. New team members are regularly added, and they receive comprehensive training to deliver exceptional customer support. “We’ve also implemented Salesforce, which equips our sales team with additional tools to maintain and grow customer relationships,” Wikkerink explained.

Wikkerink’s Passion for Innovation and Overcoming Challenges

Wikkerink’s entrepreneurial mindset and openness to tackling challenges have been instrumental in Book Depot’s success. Recalling a quote from a podcast, “When someone tells me that is the craziest idea I’ve heard of, then I know I’m on to something,” Wikkerink shared how it resonated with him.

“In our business, we’ve often sailed into uncharted waters and taken on projects others said couldn’t be done,” Wikkerink reflected. “Are we always successful? No. But you can’t build a business without a few bumps and bruises along the way—those bruises usually make you stronger.”

From navigating industry changes to exploring new markets and embracing ambitious automation initiatives, Wikkerink and his team have shown their ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing industry.

Building a Winning Culture Through Servant Leadership

A key part of Wikkerink’s vision for Book Depot is ensuring employees feel valued and fostering an environment where new ideas are welcomed. Book Depot offers its team members exceptional perks, including career development opportunities through its internal program, Book Depot University (BDU).

The company culture at Book Depot extends beyond business—it’s about family. Wikkerink’s commitment to creating an inclusive, innovative environment has cultivated a sense of belonging, with employees often referring to the company as having a “family atmosphere.”

Wikkerink’s Faith and Outlook for Book Depot’s Future

Despite the changes in the book industry, Wikkerink firmly believes in the enduring value of printed books. As e-book sales decline and independent bookstores experience a resurgence, he sees significant potential for growth in bargain books.

“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 shared. “Our customers report growing business, with many customers excited to have local bookstores where they can spend time browsing and shopping.”

Wikkerink’s faith in the power of printed books, coupled with his strategic vision and focus on building a strong company culture, positions Book Depot for ongoing success. By investing in employees, technology, and operational excellence, he ensures that Book Depot 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 rise from a dairy farm to CEO of Book Depot is a testament to the strength of entrepreneurship, servant leadership, and relentless pursuit of innovation. His journey continues to inspire aspiring business leaders across industries.

“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.”