Wilf Wikkerink, a dynamic and visionary leader, is the driving force behind Book Depot’s success. As the CEO, he has leveraged his diverse background in strategic partnerships and mergers & acquisitions to consistently drive growth and innovation in the bargain book distribution industry. His leadership has not only steered the company towards excellence but also instilled a sense of confidence in its future.
“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.”
His entrepreneurial vision and strategic insights have propelled Book Depot to new heights, ensuring that quality books reach readers far and wide. With a keen eye for opportunity and a commitment to excellence, Wilf continues to lead with innovation and purpose, solidifying his reputation as a transformative force in the industry.
“I joined the company in 2005, and since then, I’ve been working to share Book Depot’s vision with our employees, customers, and suppliers,” said Wikkerink. “Building strong, lasting relationships is important to me, both locally and abroad. I enjoy the challenges and rewards of growing our business, whether it’s 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.”
Book Depot Earns Prestigious Honor
In May 2024, Book Depot was named a four time winner of Canada’s Best Managed Companies program, sponsored by Deloitte Private, CIBC, The Globe and Mail, and TMX Group. Book Depot initially won the designation in May 2021 and have been awarded the same designation each year since. The company, under Wikkerink’s vision and leadership, shares a passion for achieving results within an environment of continuous growth, innovation and a strong value-driven culture.
The Best Managed program award winners are amongst the best-in-class Canadian-owned and managed companies with over $50 million in revenue, demonstrating leadership in strategy, capabilities and innovation, culture and commitment, and financials to achieve sustainable growth. Book Depot is also a three-time (2021-’23) Waterstone named “Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures.”
Team members who work for Book Depot enjoy exceptional perks like learning and career development opportunities through its own Book Depot University (BDU), and the atmosphere is fun and upbeat, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. The company gives people from all walks of life and backgrounds an opportunity to build a career.
One way they do that is by offering free English as a Second Language (ESL) courses through Book Depot University. These on-site courses allow team members to build on their current English skills and practice their conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Employees say they enjoy working and serving together at community events, milestone recognition events, and celebrations to promote fellowship and fun.
Book Depot’s family atmosphere is dedicated to “winning together” in life and business.
The company has a servant leadership mindset, encouraging employees to step forward and lead by example, providing a standard of excellence daily to those around them.
‘We Not Me’
Under the transformative guidance of Wilf Wikkerink, Book Depot, with its team of over 400 dedicated employees, operates seamlessly across diverse departments such as IT, marketing, sales, finance, human resources, operations, and customer service.
Wikkerink’s leadership philosophy centers on collaboration and unity, fostering a workplace where teamwork and service excellence are paramount.
Book Depot prioritizes employee development and career progression, offering robust training programs and abundant opportunities for internal growth. The company’s culture is vibrant and family-oriented, characterized by a collective spirit where everyone works hard, cares deeply for one another, and takes genuine pride in their work relationships.
Central to Book Depot’s foundation is the core value of “We Not Me,” which encapsulates their belief that true success is achieved through prioritizing others. This value underscores their commitment to humility and service, ensuring that the interests of team members, customers, vendors, and stakeholders are always at the forefront.
The golden rule is not just a guideline but a fundamental principle embedded in the company’s identity.
Wikkerink’s vision continually propels Book Depot towards continuous excellence.
“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.”
What is Book Depot?
Book Depot is a leading book wholesaler in North America, renowned for its vast selection of high-quality books at deeply discounted prices. With a mission to spread the love of reading, Book Depot serves a diverse customer base, including independent bookstores, schools, libraries, non-profits, and other retailers. The company’s extensive inventory encompasses a wide range of genres and categories, ensuring that there is something for every reader.
Founded on innovation, sustainability, and a passion for literacy, Book Depot has grown into a dynamic and influential player in the book industry. The company operates from a state-of-the-art distribution center with advanced technology and efficient logistics systems, enabling it to process and ship orders swiftly and accurately. This commitment to operational excellence ensures that customers receive the best possible service and experience.
At the heart of Book Depot’s success is its people-centric culture. The company is guided by core values emphasizing teamwork, integrity, and community engagement. Employees at Book Depot are not just part of a workforce but family members who value collaboration and mutual support. Through initiatives like Book Depot University, the company invests in its team’s professional growth and development, fostering an environment where innovation and creativity can thrive.
In addition to its business achievements, Book Depot is deeply committed to social responsibility. The company actively participates in community outreach programs and supports various literacy initiatives to make books accessible to underserved populations. By combining solid business acumen with a heartfelt dedication to promoting reading, Book Depot continues to make a significant impact within the industry and the communities it serves.
Book Depot CEO Wilf Wikkerink: Background and Career
Wilf Wikkerink has led Book Depot as its CEO for the past fifteen years, steering the company toward a flourishing integrated enterprise with a global clientele. Based in Thorold, Ontario, Book Depot’s success is primarily attributed to its dedicated workforce and vibrant company culture.
Since assuming the role of CEO in 2009, Wikkerink has driven substantial growth and expansion. A native of Vancouver Island, he is renowned for fostering a strong company culture centered on servant leadership, prioritizing not only financial success but also the well-being and development of employees.
Outside of his professional life, Wilf Wikkerink takes great joy in his roles as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. With his wife, Natalie, he has raised six children—two sons and four daughters—some of whom are now married with their own children. The Wikkerink family cherishes outdoor activities, including skiing, playing Spikeball, and reading captivating books.
Wikkerink’s leadership at Book Depot and his dedication as a family man reflect a blend of commitment, innovation, and a deep-rooted pursuit of excellence. Under his guidance, Book Depot continues to navigate the dynamic landscape of the publishing industry with resilience and adaptability, solidifying its status as a beacon of success and inspiration in literature and commerce and ensuring a secure future for its stakeholders.
The proud son of Dutch immigrants, Wikkerink grew up on a dairy farm on Vancouver Island, where he learned the value of hard work by tending to animals and taking on early responsibilities, which instilled in him a strong work ethic.
His farm upbringing laid the foundation for his disciplined and unwavering approach to business. Wilf Wikkerink later played men’s club volleyball at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration.
His professional journey included nine years at Legacy Entertainment, where he and his partner built a successful budget music company, culminating in its sale to a UK-based entity—a significant milestone in their careers.
Moving Forward
Wikkerink says he’s fascinated by people who use their gifts and talents to innovate, create and impact the world. He’s especially drawn to dreamers who leap of faith, evolving from survivors to thrivers.
Wikkerink once heard an entrepreneur share a quote on a podcast that struck a chord with him: “The entrepreneur said something along the lines of, ‘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. 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.”
Wilf Wikkerink’s story is one of transformation and triumph, where a foundation built on hard work and integrity has propelled him to remarkable heights. His leadership at Book Depot is a testament to the enduring power of visionary thinking and servant leadership, creating a company culture that values innovation and human connection.
As Book Depot continues to thrive under his guidance, it not only stands as a leader in the publishing industry but also as a symbol of what can be achieved when dedication and passion converge.
Wikkerink’s journey from the farms of Vancouver Island to the global stage is an inspiring reminder that with perseverance and vision, the possibilities are boundless. His legacy at Book Depot is not just one of business success but of cultivating an environment where people and ideas flourish, ensuring a future that is as bright as it is promising.
