For Wilf Wikkerink, CEO of Book Depot, every day is different. His role often involves jet-setting across the world, visiting suppliers and exploring new business opportunities.
His dynamic schedule demands a high level of organization and productivity.
“One of the tools that keeps me productive on the road and at the office is Todoist,” Wikkerink says. “It’s a slick productivity app that keeps me organized and my head clear by creating lists of to-dos that need to be done in the future.”
Wikkerink oversees one of North America’s leading book wholesalers and believes the key to productivity lies in how one handles communication. “When you receive an email or any form of communication, instantly deal with it—delete it, delegate it, do it now if it’s a simple task, or put it on a list with a future deadline,” he explains.
This method, inspired by David Allen’s bestselling book on time management, “Getting Things Done,” helps keep the mind clear and focused, preventing the stress of remembering future tasks.
Wikkerink’s leadership style at Book Depot, which uses advanced technology and strategic operations to foster a productive work environment, is rooted in his ability to adapt and innovate. The company, known for its vast inventory of remaindered and bargain books, continues to deliver value to its partners and customers, making it a trusted name in the book wholesale market.
“Every day is different, which is what I love about my role as CEO of Book Depot,” Wikkerink said.
Key Strategies that Help CEO Wilf Wikkerink
Five years ago, Book Depot made a strategic decision that significantly impacted the company’s culture and operations. They implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a move that transformed Wilf Wikkerink’s leadership approach.
“It helped leverage the unique abilities of everyone on our team, including myself,” he shares. “It freed me up from the day-to-day details of the business and from directly managing our team by splitting the top two roles in the company into what EOS calls the Visionary and the Integrator, more commonly known as CEO and President in other organizations.”
This strategic move allowed Wikkerink to focus on the big picture—acquisitions, relationships, and industry trends—while company President Bill Van Vliet oversees the execution of the company’s plan by leading, managing, and holding the senior leadership team accountable.
Wilf Wikkerink’s success is not only a result of his strategic approach to business but also his commitment to professional and personal development. His decision to Join TEC Canada, a CEO peer group, nearly ten years ago, has been a pivotal one both personally and professionally.
Wikkerink says this network has played a crucial role in shaping his strategic thinking and leadership skills.
Built For Success
Although Wilf Wikkerink now spends much of his time flying around the world and engaging with business professionals, he’s still a blue-collar worker at heart.
Wikkerink, the son of Dutch immigrants, was raised on a dairy farm on Vancouver Island. His early years on the farm instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance that continue to guide his leadership today. These personal values, rooted in his family and upbringing, have played a significant role in shaping his leadership style and approach.
“Growing up on a farm required long days, particularly during the busy summer season—there was no such thing as 9-5; it was sun-up to sundown during the busiest weeks of harvest,” Wikkerink says. “I’ve been very blessed to have this upbringing, and to this day, I don’t think I’ve ever slept better than those days when I worked on the farm. I was asleep the minute my head hit the pillow and didn’t wake up until the ringing of my alarm.”
Wikkerink’s journey from the farm to the boardroom was marked by a series of diverse jobs that each shaped his purpose and work ethic. He recalls even the less glamorous tasks, such as shoveling manure, as formative experiences. “I was always taught that no matter your position in life, you should always put forth your best work,” he explained. “I’m deeply grateful to my father, who taught me the importance of hard work and from whom I learned my work ethic.”
After high school, Wikkerink attended Dordt University in Iowa, earning his Bachelor of Business Administration. This educational foundation and his practical upbringing set the stage for his future success.
Before joining Book Depot, he spent nine years as a Partner and Operations Director at Legacy Entertainment. Wilf and his business partner built a successful budget music company, which they sold to a UK-based company.
“This experience taught me valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and business management,” Wikkerink says.
Leading Book Depot
Since 2009, Wilf Wikkerink has served as the CEO of Book Depot, focusing on sharing the company’s vision, building strong relationships, and driving growth through acquisitions, among other strategies.
Book Depot, a leader in the wholesale bargain book business for over 35 years, saves organizations time and money by offering the largest selection of high-margin books. The company operates a 500,000-square-foot production facility with state-of-the-art automated order fulfillment technology and a secondary million square foot fulfillment center in Tennessee as a result of the acquisition of American Book Company in late 2021.
With over 500 dedicated team members, Book Depot ensures that customers receive great titles on their shelves at a fraction of the cost. Hundreds of new arrivals are added to their website daily across more than 50 categories, ensuring there is always something available for every organization, big or small.
“I believe in investing in our people and continuously leveraging technology to improve our operations,” Wikkerink says. He hires individuals committed to their expertise and allows them to thrive.
“As our business has grown over the years, I have had to let go of the day-to-day details and entrust those to our team,” Wikkerink shares. “As an entrepreneur, I can best serve the organization by allowing others to manage these details, which frees me to think about the bigger picture and the future direction of our business.”
He also acknowledges the importance of taking breaks, explaining that the business can operate without him during his vacations when he “goes dark.” Going dark, according to Wikkerink, involves leaving his phone behind and avoiding emails, calls, and texts.
“It allows you to read great books, think more strategically about the business, and connect with your loved ones,” he notes. Wikkerink was inspired by an article from Brian Scudamore, CEO of 1-800-Got-Junk, and has greatly benefited from this advice.
“This might sound like overkill,” Scudamore writes. “But, when done right, unplugging can bring real benefits. In fact, getting away from your business can be the best thing for your business.”
Wilf Wikkerink’s Productivity Secrets and Industry Insights
Wilf Wikkerink has mastered the delicate balance of leading a thriving business while maintaining strong personal values. His leadership is shaped by a deep understanding of industry trends, the value of family, and foundational personal beliefs.
Wikkerink stays informed by maintaining close contact with publishing partners and customers, which enables him to keep a pulse on the industry’s dynamics. “With our publishers, we hear the key trends in the publishing industry and what their needs and pain points are. With this information, we can design customized solutions to help them,” Wikkerink explains. Similarly, customer feedback provides insights into consumer preferences, helping tailor Book Depot’s offerings.
His proactive approach extends to personal involvement in major industry events like the Frankfurt Book Fair and the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
This hands-on participation helps him stay abreast of global trends and network with industry leaders.
A key aspect of Wikkerink’s leadership philosophy is inspired by Jack Welch’s “Winning,” a book he recommends for insights into effective management and team building. This reflects his own focus on assembling the right team to foster a thriving business environment.
Fatherly Wisdom is the Foundation of Wilf Wikkerink’s Success
The core of Wikkerink’s values is the lessons learned from his father, who exemplified servant leadership. “He was devoted to providing for my brothers and me, and his rough, calloused hands were a testament to that,” says Wikkerink. His father’s example of integrity, humility, and a strong work ethic continues to inspire him daily.
Despite the demands of his role, Wikkerink places immense value on family life. He and his wife have a large family, and he prioritizes time with them, balancing his professional responsibilities with his personal life.
As Book Depot grows, Wikkerink’s commitment to vision, relationships, and continuous improvement remains unwavering. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had throughout my life and career,” he reflects. “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.”
Under Wilf Wikkerink’s leadership, Book Depot has not only prospered but also mirrored his journey of personal growth and commitment to family. His story is a compelling testament to the power of integrating deep personal values with professional ambitions. He reminds other top business leaders how true success transcends the balance sheet to include enriching the lives of others.
His legacy is built on trust, servant leadership, and prioritizing character above dollar signs. Wilf Wikkerink emphasizes the importance of humility, underscoring that no task should be deemed beneath a leader.
He often reflects on the lyrics from an Alan Jackson song which resonates with his beliefs:
I’ve been a waiter, a roofer, a clerk
I’ve shoveled manure till my pride hurt.
When you’re starting out, it’s all part of the work
To do what I do.
This perspective, Wikkerink says, serves as a reminder that all experiences, regardless of their glamor or grit, are foundational to leadership and true success.
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