Wilf Wikkerink – A Deep Dive into Book Depot’s Success

Wilf Wikkerink’s journey from a dairy farm on Vancouver Island to becoming the CEO of Book Depot is a testament to his strategic vision and leadership. Born to Dutch immigrants, Wikkerink’s early life on the farm instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for community. He pursued higher education at Dordt University in Iowa, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. His professional career began with Legacy Entertainment, where he played a pivotal role in building a leading budget music company.

Later, as the CEO of Book Depot, Wilf Wikkerink has been at the forefront of innovation, particularly in leveraging technology to revolutionize the bargain book industry. In this interview, we delve into Wikkerink’s perspectives on leadership, innovation, and the principles that guide his professional journey.

Leadership and Vision

How does innovation shape your leadership style at Book Depot?

Our company has always been an industry leader in embracing technology and innovation. We launched our first direct-to-consumer website in 1997, the same year Amazon was founded, and soon after, we developed our B2B website. Innovation is intrinsic to our business model. For instance, when we were told sorting bargain books by machine was impossible, we accepted the challenge and, in 2017, implemented our first book sorter. This was transformational for us. The drive to improve operations through innovation is part of our DNA, and our team is committed to finding better ways to enhance efficiency.

How do you foster a culture of trust within your organization?

Maintaining a positive reputation in our industry is straightforward for me—it’s about ensuring your “yes” is a “yes” and your “no” is a “no.” Trustworthiness is paramount, beginning with fulfilling commitments, no matter how small. If partners perceive inconsistencies, it breeds distrust. We aim for long-term partnerships rather than one-off deals, as trust is essential for win-win outcomes.

Strategic Planning and Growth

What are the core strategies you employ to sustain growth at Book Depot?

We adopted the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in January 2019, which has been revolutionary. EOS involves a disciplined approach to strategic planning, beginning with a two-day offsite event for our Senior Leadership Team. Our strategic objectives are aligned with our core values and long-term vision. This approach ensures every member of our team is aligned with our organizational goals. We also conduct regular reviews and adjust our strategies based on feedback and market changes, keeping us agile and focused.

Can you elaborate on your approach to goal setting and accountability?

Our strategic plan is not something we set once a year and forget. We have quarterly offsite meetings to review our performance, refocus, and set priorities for the next 90 days. This ensures accountability and maintains discipline across all teams. Progress is assessed quarterly, and every leader is responsible for their strategic priorities, which we call “rocks.” This method keeps everyone focused and accountable to the company’s vision.

Innovation and Industry Trends

How do you stay informed about changes in your industry?

Staying connected is crucial. I attend industry trade shows and maintain strong relationships with our publishing partners. Our senior leadership team is also responsible for continuing education in their fields. For instance, our VP of Marketing attends events to stay abreast of the latest trends, while our VP of Operations focuses on advancements in warehouse automation. It’s vital for senior members to remain on top of new trends to keep us relevant.

What role does technology play in your business strategy?

Technology is integral to our strategy. We’re always exploring new tools and platforms to enhance our operations and customer experience. From AI to automation equipment, our team is encouraged to research and leverage the latest technologies. Our success with the book sorter is a prime example of how technology has transformed our business operations.

Building Relationships and Reputation

What methods do you use to build and enhance your professional reputation?

One key aspect is third-party verification of our business. We’ve received accolades such as Canada’s Best Managed Companies and Most Admired Corporate Culture. We also invest in brand awareness campaigns and release press statements for major milestones. Participating in interviews and maintaining a transparent online presence through Google Reviews helps reinforce our reputation.

How do you balance transparency with privacy in customer interactions?

I believe in erring on the side of openness. Trust is reciprocal; if you want openness from others, you must be open yourself. This philosophy deepens relationships as it builds trust. Our approach to customer interaction emphasizes transparency while ensuring we protect personal data rigorously, complying with data privacy laws.

Personal Growth and Development

How do you handle feedback and use it for professional growth?

Feedback is invaluable for growth. We actively seek feedback from customers, team members, and suppliers. Customer feedback helps us improve our websites, marketing, and overall relationships. Internally, we conduct annual employee engagement surveys, and I personally benefit from monthly coaching sessions through TEC Canada, which helps me recognize and address my blind spots.

What personal philosophies guide your professional journey?

I find storytelling to be a powerful tool. Sharing stories, whether personal, from books, or videos, helps convey the importance of our work to the team in a meaningful way. My role as CEO involves consistently articulating our mission, fostering a sense of purpose among team members, and ensuring that everyone understands their contributions matter. Humor plays a vital role as well, making the message more relatable, engaging, and memorable, while also creating a positive and approachable workplace culture that encourages collaboration and creativity.

Conclusion

Wilf Wikkerink exemplifies a leadership style rooted in innovation, trust, and strategic focus. Under his guidance, Book Depot has embraced cutting-edge technologies while fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and accountability. His personal and professional journey highlights the profound influence of visionary leadership coupled with unwavering dedication to core principles. Wikkerink’s forward-thinking approach has not only positioned Book Depot as a leader in the dynamic book industry but also ensured sustained success through adaptability, customer-focused strategies, and a strong commitment to empowering his team and stakeholders.