Wilf Wikkerink, CEO of Book Depot—one of North America’s top book wholesalers—embodies the essence of entrepreneurship and servant leadership. His leadership at Book Depot is defined by a hands-on approach to problem-solving and a deep commitment to fostering growth within his team. Under his direction, the company has expanded its market influence while fostering a culture of continuous innovation and improvement.
“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 stated. “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.”
From Dairy Farm Roots to Business Leadership
Wikkerink’s journey began on a dairy farm on Vancouver Island, where he was raised by Dutch immigrant parents. This upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and the importance of building meaningful relationships—values that would later shape his business career.
After completing high school, he pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration at Dordt University in Iowa, laying the groundwork for his entrepreneurial ventures.
Wilf and his wife, Natalie, have six children—two sons and four daughters—and are also proud grandparents. Their family enjoys outdoor activities, skiing, playing Spikeball, and reading together.
Entrepreneurial Experience 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 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 instrumental as he transitioned to leading Book Depot, where he has served as CEO for over 15 years.
Wilf Wikkerink’s Strategic Vision for Book Depot
When Wikkerink joined Book Depot, the company had already been a key player in the wholesale bargain book industry for over two decades. His leadership has focused on reinforcing the company’s vision, fostering strong 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 said. “Our journey toward becoming Canada’s Best Managed Company has been defined by our unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.”
Investing in Customer Experience
Over the years, Book Depot has made significant financial investments to enhance the customer experience. The company operates a 500,000-square-foot production facility, leveraging advanced automation technology to streamline order fulfillment.
A key focus has also been the improvement of Book Depot’s digital presence. Several years ago, the company underwent a complete website redesign to ensure seamless functionality across all devices.
“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 technology, 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, and along with that comes a wealth of product knowledge,” Wikkerink noted. “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, equipping team members with the necessary training to provide top-tier 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 explained.
Embracing Challenges and Innovation
Wikkerink’s entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to tackle challenges have been fundamental to Book Depot’s success. While listening to the “How I Built This” podcast with Guy Raz, he recalled hearing an entrepreneur say:
“When someone tells me that is the craziest idea I’ve heard of, then I know I’m on to something!”
This philosophy resonated with him.
“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 reflected. “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.”
From navigating industry shifts to spearheading large-scale automation initiatives, Wikkerink and his team have consistently demonstrated adaptability and resilience.
Building a Winning Culture Through Servant Leadership
A core element of Wikkerink’s leadership philosophy is ensuring employees feel valued and fostering a workplace where new ideas are encouraged.
Book Depot’s employees benefit from various perks, including professional development opportunities through the company’s internal training program, Book Depot University (BDU).
The company’s culture is built on more than just business—it’s about family. Wikkerink’s dedication to creating an inclusive, idea-driven environment has strengthened the sense of belonging among employees.
Wilf Wikkerink’s Faith and Outlook on the Book Industry
Despite significant changes in the book industry, Wikkerink remains optimistic about the future of printed books. As e-book sales decline and independent bookstores regain popularity, he sees a growing opportunity in bargain books for booksellers.
“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 stated. “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.’”
His belief in the enduring value of physical books, coupled with his strategic vision and focus on cultivating a strong company culture, positions Book Depot for sustained growth.
“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.
An Inspirational Journey of Leadership and Growth
Wilf Wikkerink’s path—from growing up on a dairy farm to leading one of North America’s largest book wholesalers—exemplifies the power of entrepreneurship, servant leadership, and relentless innovation. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring business leaders, demonstrating the impact of vision, perseverance, and dedication to excellence.
“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.”
