Book Depot CEO Wilf Wikkerink Is Leading The Company To New Heights

Wilf Wikkerink, the CEO of the globally recognized Book Depot, is the proud son of Dutch immigrants who grew up on a dairy farm in Vancouver Island. His early life on the farm taught him the importance of hard work as he took on responsibilities such as caring for animals, instilling a strong work ethic that would shape his approach to business. This foundation in discipline became key to his later success in the business world.

Wikkerink went on to play men’s club volleyball at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration.

His professional career included nine years at Legacy Entertainment, where he and his partner built a successful budget music company. Their efforts culminated in the sale of one of the leading companies in the industry to a UK-based firm, marking a significant milestone in their careers.

Now, as the CEO of Book Depot since 2009, Wilf Wikkerink leads the company with passion and dedication, aligning all stakeholders—employees, customers, and suppliers—with its mission. His focus on recruiting top talent and leveraging automation and technology has been central to driving the company’s continued growth.

Book Depot Under Wilf Wikkerink’s Leadership

Under Wilf Wikkerink’s leadership, Book Depot has not only thrived but has become a leading player in the industry. His strategic vision and decisions have propelled the company to new heights, gaining it both recognition and respect.

Wikkerink is inspired by people who use their skills to innovate, create, and make an impact. He is especially drawn to those who take risks and evolve from merely surviving to truly thriving.

A quote from an entrepreneur on a podcast resonated with him: “When someone tells me that is the craziest idea I’ve heard of, then I know I’m on to something!” Wikkerink reflected, saying, “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 has been recognized as one of “Canada’s Best Managed Companies” and is a three-time recipient of Waterstone’s “Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures” (2021-’23).

The Best Managed program honors leading Canadian-owned companies with revenues over $50 million for excellence in strategy, innovation, culture, and financial growth.

Book Depot’s team enjoys numerous benefits, including career development through Book Depot University (BDU), and a positive, inclusive atmosphere that fosters innovation. Employees thrive in an environment that promotes community involvement, celebrates milestones, and encourages fun.

The company’s family-oriented culture fosters a sense of unity, with a focus on “winning together” both in business and in life. The company embraces servant leadership, urging employees to step up and lead by example, setting a daily standard of excellence.

Book Depot Is An Industry Change-Maker

Book Depot is North America’s largest bargain book wholesaler and retailer, with its people at the heart of its operations.

Driven by core values and a passion for delivering results, the company strives to offer an exceptional customer experience through constant innovation and growth. At Book Depot, an entrepreneurial culture is integral to its success, enabling them to innovate and achieve operational excellence.

With over 35 years of experience, Book Depot is a leading wholesale bargain book business, saving organizations both time and money. The company offers an extensive selection of high-margin books and operates out of a 500,000-square-foot production facility with over 400 dedicated team members. The company stands out due to its state-of-the-art automated order fulfillment system, ensuring that businesses get quality books at affordable prices.

Book Depot Provides For Customers Locally and Around the World

Book Depot’s website sees hundreds of new arrivals each day, spanning over 50 categories, ensuring a wide selection for every organization. Bargain books are typically excess stock from publishers, offered at much lower prices. All books are new, unread, and guaranteed to be in excellent condition, enabling businesses to receive a double-margin 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 capitalizes on discounted books sold in bulk by publishers to reduce excess inventory.

Book Depot also includes brands like Book Outlet in its portfolio. A strong culture of innovation and growth has been crucial to Book Depot’s success, ensuring a top-tier customer experience.

With its core purpose of “Enchanting the Mind – one book at a time,” Book Depot’s commitment to accessible reading continues to drive their operations.

“As we see continued consolidation in the publishing business, it is also becoming clearer that publishers require large partners that can provide turnkey inventory solutions for their remainders, overstocks and returns,” says Wilf.

Wilf Wikkerink’s Family and Background

Outside of his professional life, Wilf Wikkerink is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife, Natalie, have raised six children—two sons and four daughters, many of whom are now married and have children of their own.

The Wikkerink family enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing, playing Spikeball, and, of course, reading books together.

Wilf’s leadership, both as a family man and CEO, combines dedication, innovation, and a strong commitment to excellence. His journey from a dairy farm in Vancouver Island to leading a global company exemplifies the power of perseverance and vision. Under his guidance, Book Depot continues to thrive, adapting to the changing publishing landscape with resilience, and ensuring a bright future for its stakeholders.