How Wilf Wikkerink is Leading Book Depot to New Heights
For fifteen years, Wilf Wikkerink has been the CEO at Book Depot, overseeing the company’s evolution into a thriving integrated enterprise boasting a worldwide clientele.
Headquartered in Thorold, Ontario, Book Depot owes its success to its dedicated people and vibrant culture.
Under the leadership of Wikkerink, who became the CEO in 2009, Book Depot has seen significant growth and expansion. The native of Vancouver Island is known for his dedication to fostering a strong company culture built on the principles of servant leadership, where the focus is not only on financial success but also on the well-being and development of employees.
Wilf Wikkerink’s Transformative Leadership
With over 400 employees, Book Depot operates as a cohesive team across various departments, including IT, marketing, sales, finance, human resources, operations, and customer service.
Wikkerink’s leadership style emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, encouraging employees to work together towards common goals and service excellence. Book Depot prioritizes employee development and career growth, offering training programs and opportunities for advancement within the company. Their culture can be summed up like this: a fun, family-friendly culture where everyone works hard and genuinely cares about and loves the people they work with.
One of Book Depot’s six core values is “We Not Me” where they understand that success is fleeting if they do not put others first. Serving with humility and always looking to the interests of their team members, customers, vendors, and all stakeholders is foundational to all they do. The golden rule is not just a rule, but part of the very core of who the company is.
Wilf Wikkerink continually steers the company towards excellence.
“Book Depot’s success isn’t just measured in numbers, but in the bonds forged between people and the joy shared through books, Wikkerink shared. “Book Depot cultivates a culture where every employee contributes to the story of our success, making us more than a company – we’re a community dedicated to spreading the love of reading worldwide.”
Book Depot’s Global Expansion Under Wilf Wikkerink
Book Depot is a Canadian book wholesaler. Established in 1985, the company has grown into one of the largest book wholesalers in North America, offering a vast selection of books at discounted prices to retailers, libraries, and other businesses worldwide.
Under the visionary leadership of Wikkerink, Book Depot has seen significant growth and expansion and continues to soar to new heights.
“At Book Depot, we understand that what doesn’t break you can make you stronger,” shared Wikkerink. “Our journey towards becoming one of the Best-Managed businesses in North America has been defined by our unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.”
Wilf Wikkerink’s Visionary Approach
Book Depot’s relentless pursuit of excellence has garnered widespread recognition, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. By prioritizing customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and employee development, Book Depot has set new benchmarks for success in book retail.
In addition to its remarkable achievements, the company remains dedicated to giving back to the community and promoting literacy initiatives. The company continues to positively impact society through strategic partnerships and philanthropic efforts.
As Book Depot continues redefining book retail standards, the company remains committed to its core values of humility, innovation, and excellence. With a bright future ahead, Book Depot invites book lovers and industry enthusiasts to join them on their journey toward continued success.
Wilf Wikkerink’s Life and Background
Wilf Wikkerink is the son of Dutch immigrants who grew up on a dairy farm on Vancouver Island. His upbringing on the farm instilled in him the values of hard work, perseverance, and a strong sense of community. He learned the importance of family, resilience, and resourcefulness early.
Despite the challenges of farm life, Wikkerink developed a deep appreciation for nature and the value of agricultural labor. His experiences on the farm taught him the importance of teamwork, as everyone had to work together to ensure the operation’s success.
After completing his education at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, Wikkerink ventured into the business world, where he applied the lessons from his upbringing to his career.
Before joining Book Depot, Wikkerink served as the Operations Director at Legacy Entertainment Inc. from 1997 to 2005. During his tenure, he was pivotal in advancing the company’s growth and enhancing gross margins. His contributions were instrumental in the company’s eventual sale in 2001.
Wikkerink’s journey from a dairy farm on Vancouver Island to becoming the CEO of Book Depot is a testament to his determination, resilience, and ability to overcome challenges.
His upbringing laid the foundation for his success, shaping him into a compassionate and driven leader dedicated to building a thriving company culture and bringing the joy of books to people worldwide.
“Leadership is not about standing at the front and giving orders, but empowering others to reach their full potential,” said Wikkerink. “It’s about fostering a culture of collaboration, where every voice is heard, and every contribution is valued.”
As the leader of Book Depot, Wilf is deeply committed to communicating and embodying the company’s vision, fostering enduring relationships with employees, customers, and suppliers worldwide. Driven by a passion for business development, he oversees organic growth and strategic acquisitions, facilitating multiple successful ventures during his tenure. He prioritizes assembling a talented team while heavily investing in operational enhancements through automation and technology.
Wilf and his wife, Natalie, are parents to six children, and they also have grandchildren.
The family relishes outdoor activities, including skiing, Spikeball, and indulging in the pleasure of reading together.
The Future of Book Depot
Mr. Wikkerink says Book Depot prides itself on gaining lessons from its past to propel it to the next level. Book Depot has a people-first approach rooted in its belief that every customer matters and every employee deserves their voice to be heard.
Book Depot boasts a massive 500,000 sq. ft. warehouse and a workforce exceeding 400 employees. Beyond its primary operations, the company runs Kidsbooks Publishing LLC and online bookstores such as BookOutlet.com and BookOutlet.ca.
The future of Book Depot, under the stewardship of Wilf Wikkerink, promises to be marked by continued innovation, growth, and industry leadership.
With a fifteen year record as CEO, Wilf Wikkerink has steered Book Depot through significant transformations, cementing its position as a powerhouse in the bargain book distribution sector.
Under Wikkerink’s leadership, Book Depot has embraced technology and strategic partnerships to drive operational efficiency and expand its market reach. For instance, they recently acquired American Book Company, a move that has significantly enhanced their capabilities to serve customers and publishers alike. This commitment to growth and market consolidation positions Book Depot as a dominant player in the industry.
Looking ahead, Wikkerink’s visionary leadership is expected to propel Book Depot toward new heights of success. By leveraging emerging trends in the publishing industry and capitalizing on opportunities for digital innovation, Book Depot is poised to remain at the forefront of the evolving book distribution landscape.
Wikkerink’s leadership style, characterized by a people-first approach and a focus on collaboration and empowerment, will continue to foster a vibrant company culture where employees are inspired to excel and contribute to the company’s success.
