Wilf Wikkerink: The Journey Behind Book Depot’s Success
Wilf Wikkerink, the CEO of Book Depot—one of North America’s foremost book wholesalers—exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and servant leadership. His time at Book Depot is characterized by a proactive approach to tackling challenges and a strong commitment to fostering the growth and development of his team. Under his guidance, Book Depot has not only broadened its market reach but also fostered 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 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.”
Wilf Wikkerink journey began on a family dairy farm on Vancouver Island, raised by Dutch immigrant parents. This background instilled in him a robust work ethic and the significance of nurturing lasting relationships—principles that would influence his future in business.
Following high school, Wikkerink pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration at Dordt University in Iowa, which laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial pursuits.
Wilf and his wife, Natalie, are proud parents of six children—two sons and four daughters—and they also cherish time spent with their grandchildren. The family enjoys various outdoor activities, including skiing, playing Spikeball, and reading together.
Wilf Wikkerink’s Entrepreneurial Journey and Key Takeaways
Before he arrived at Book Depot in 2005, Wilf Wikkerink dedicated nine years to Legacy Entertainment as a Partner and Operations Director, a position that enabled him to refine his business management expertise.
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 valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and business management.”
These insights would become crucial as Wikkerink moved into his next role at Book Depot, where he has served as CEO for the past 15 years.
Wilf Wikkerink’s Vision for Book Depot
Upon joining Book Depot, which had been operating in the wholesale bargain book industry for over 20 years, Wikkerink prioritized communicating the company’s vision, fostering strong relationships, and promoting growth through strategic acquisitions and enhancements in operations.
“At Book Depot, we understand that what doesn’t break you can make you stronger,” Wikkerink stated. “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 Customer Experience
For many years, Book Depot has invested millions into enhancing the customer experience. The company operates a 500,000-square-foot production facility equipped with cutting-edge automated technology to efficiently process orders.
Book Depot consistently enhances its website to provide a better customer experience. A few years ago, the company undertook a complete redesign to ensure the site functions seamlessly across all devices, allowing for a smooth online shopping experience for all customers. “If you haven’t been on our website in the last three years, please take a look,” Wikkerink says. “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.”
Alongside its investments in technology and infrastructure, Book Depot has prioritized strengthening its sales and customer service teams. “Today, our sales team has a combined experience in the book industry of over 80 years, and along with that comes a wealth of product knowledge,” Wikkerink stated. “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 enhanced its customer service department by adding new staff members and equipping them with the training necessary to provide exceptional support to Book Depot’s clients. “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 Passion for Embracing Challenges and Fostering Innovation at Book Depot
Wikkerink’s entrepreneurial mindset and readiness to tackle challenges have been instrumental in Book Depot’s achievements. While tuning into the “How I Built This” podcast with Guy Raz, he recalled an entrepreneur stating, “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 shares. “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 it’s adapting to industry shifts, tackling ambitious automation initiatives, or pursuing new market opportunities, Wikkerink and his team have continually shown their capacity to adapt and flourish.
Fostering a Winning Culture Through Servant Leadership
One of Wikkerink’s primary objectives at Book Depot has been to ensure that employees feel appreciated and to cultivate an environment that encourages new ideas from everyone. The company offers exceptional benefits, including opportunities for learning and professional growth through its own Book Depot University (BDU).
At Book Depot, the culture extends beyond business; it embodies a sense of family. Wilf Wikkerink’s dedication to fostering an environment that values each employee and embraces new perspectives has created a feeling of belonging within the team. This commitment to building a winning culture resonates with Book Depot’s staff, who frequently refer to the workplace as a ‘family atmosphere.’
Wilf Wikkerink’s Vision and Commitment to the Future of Book Depot
Despite the significant changes in the book industry, avid readers continue to appreciate the experience of holding a printed book. With a decrease in e-book sales and a resurgence of independent bookstores, Wikkerink sees a substantial opportunity for bookstore owners in the bargain book segment.
“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 remarks. 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 belief in the lasting charm of physical books, combined with his strategic foresight and dedication to fostering a successful culture, sets Book Depot up for ongoing success in the future. By prioritizing investments in employees, technology, and operational excellence, Wikkerink helps ensure that Book Depot remains at the forefront of 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 stated.
Wilf Wikkerink’s journey from a dairy farm to the CEO of Book Depot exemplifies the strength of entrepreneurship, servant leadership, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. As he steers 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 stated. “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.”
