Toivo Sukari Speaks Out: "It's Tough for Everyone" – What the Finnish Business Icon Is Like Now
Toivo Sukari has never been one to mince words. And now, as Finland's economy struggles and business owners are feeling the pinch, the Turku region local has once again stepped forward with words that make you stop and listen. This isn't just another press release about Maskun Kalustetalo's financial results. It's a straight-shooting analysis from a man who built an empire – and has also seen just how fragile it can be.
"It's tough for everyone" – Sukari's stark assessment
I met with Sukari last week, and while he still has the same passion, there's a different weight to him now. He's not trying to paint a rosy picture. Quite the opposite. When I asked what he thought about the current business climate, he didn't bother with pleasantries. "It's tough for everyone," he stated bluntly. It wasn't a complaint, just an observation. It was the same no-nonsense Finnish honesty he's known for – the kind we could use more of around here.
According to him, the entire business sector is struggling right now. While big chains and networks seem to be holding their ground, Sukari reminds us that the real work is done by everyday people. It's the work where days get longer and nights get shorter. This is the reality visible at Ideapark Lempäälä and Ideapark Oulu: customers are coming through the doors, but their spending power isn't what it used to be.
Faith, hope, love – and Jouni K. Kemppainen
The old saying "faith, hope and love" takes on a whole new meaning with Sukari. Even though he's officially stepped back from day-to-day operations, he hasn't gone anywhere. And that's where another heavy hitter in Finnish business enters the picture: Jouni K. Kemppainen.
Over the years, Kemppainen is the one Sukari has shared not just business ideas with, but also the toughest moments. When Maskun Kalustetalo was in deep water back in the day, these two found each other. This isn't just about business. It's the kind of mutual understanding that only comes from having that faith, hope and love for what you do. Sukari himself says that without a mate who shares the same vision for the future, this whole gig wouldn't amount to anything.
- The DNA of Maskun Kalustetalo: Sukari points out that the furniture business is still at the core. It's not some "digital social media fluff"; it's tangible stuff that people need to be able to try out.
- The power of Ideapark: To Sukari, Ideapark Lempäälä and Oulu aren't just shopping centres. They're "living rooms" where Finnish families hang out. He knows that if they're not coming here, they're not going anywhere.
- Straight talk: He has a clear view on the current crisis: "Politicians should just shut up for now and let businesses get on with it."
What does the future look like?
When it comes to his legacy, Sukari doesn't waffle on. He wants to see the places he built – the Ideaparks, Maskun Kalustetalo – keep thriving. And even though he's critical of the current state of affairs, he hasn't lost his sharp eye for opportunity. "Finland still has those top-notch operators," he says, adding that now is precisely the time to take a risk.
One thing's for sure: as long as Toivo Sukari is breathing, he'll say what he thinks. He's not about to leave anyone guessing where he stands on the state of entrepreneurship. This is the authenticity we crave here in the Nordics. You won't find it in a PowerPoint presentation; you find it when a man walks into the room and knows exactly what he's talking about.