Wilf Wikkerink, CEO of the internationally recognized Book Depot, is the proud son of Dutch immigrants who grew up on a dairy farm on Vancouver Island. His early years on the farm instilled in him a strong work ethic, as he took on responsibilities caring for animals and managing farm duties. This disciplined upbringing laid the foundation for his resilient and focused approach to business.
Wikkerink pursued his higher education at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, where he played men’s club volleyball and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration.
His professional career took off at Legacy Entertainment, where he spent nine years building a thriving budget music company alongside his business partner. Their hard work paid off when they successfully sold one of the industry’s leading budget music businesses to a UK-based firm, marking a significant milestone in their careers.
Wilf Wikkerink’s Leadership at Book Depot
Since taking over as CEO of Book Depot in 2009, Wilf Wikkerink has been instrumental in shaping the company’s growth and reputation. His leadership focuses on fostering strong relationships with employees, customers, and suppliers while driving innovation through automation and technology.
Under his guidance, Book Depot has not only sustained its market position but has thrived, cementing itself as a key player in the industry. His strategic vision and dedication to continuous improvement have propelled the company to new heights.
Wikkerink is inspired by individuals who use their skills and creativity to make an impact. He admires dreamers who take risks, transforming challenges into opportunities. Reflecting on an entrepreneur’s quote from a podcast, he shares:
“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.”
Book Depot: A Recognized Industry Leader
Book Depot has earned numerous accolades, including being named one of “Canada’s Best Managed Companies” and a three-time (2021-’23) recipient of Waterstone’s “Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures.” These awards highlight the company’s leadership in strategy, innovation, culture, and financial growth.
Employees at Book Depot enjoy a vibrant work environment, with opportunities for career growth through its in-house learning platform, Book Depot University (BDU). The company fosters a culture of teamwork, innovation, and inclusivity, making it an exceptional place to work. Employees participate in community service, milestone celebrations, and social events, reinforcing the company’s family-oriented atmosphere.
With a servant leadership mindset, Book Depot encourages employees to lead by example, setting high standards of excellence in both their professional and personal lives.
Book Depot: A Pioneer in the Bargain Book Industry
As North America’s largest bargain book wholesaler and retailer, Book Depot thrives on a culture of innovation and operational excellence. The company is committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience through continuous growth and technological advancements.
With over 35 years in the industry, Book Depot has helped businesses and organizations save time and money by offering an extensive selection of high-margin books. Operating out of a state-of-the-art, 500,000-square-foot production facility, the company leverages advanced automation to streamline order fulfillment, ensuring competitive pricing for customers.
Serving Customers Locally and Globally
Book Depot updates its website daily with hundreds of new arrivals across 50+ categories, catering to businesses of all sizes. Bargain books are publisher overstock, available at significantly lower prices while remaining new and unread. This allows businesses to achieve a high return on investment.
“Despite what you may read or hear, books are still a great business, and people still are buying them,” says Wikkerink. “People enjoy cracking open a book and flipping through the pages.”
The company’s portfolio also includes its B2C brand, Book Outlet. With a strong culture of innovation and a mission to make books accessible to all, Book Depot remains committed to “Enchanting the Mind – one book at a time.”
Wilf Wikkerink recognizes the evolving publishing landscape, emphasizing the importance of large-scale partners for publishers managing excess inventory. As consolidation continues within the industry, Book Depot remains a trusted solution for remaindered, overstock, and returned books.
Wilf Wikkerink’s Family and Personal Life
Beyond his professional achievements, Wilf Wikkerink finds joy in his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife, Natalie, have raised six children—two sons and four daughters—some of whom are now married with families of their own.
The Wikkerink family enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing, playing Spikeball, and, of course, reading.
Wilf Wikkerink’s leadership, both in business and family life, is a testament to dedication, resilience, and vision. His journey from a dairy farm on Vancouver Island to the helm of a globally recognized company exemplifies the power of hard work and perseverance. Under his guidance, Book Depot continues to thrive, adapting to industry changes while staying true to its mission of making books accessible and affordable. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Book Depot remains a beacon of success in the literary world.
