Toivo Sukari Speaks Out: “Everyone’s Struggling” – What Finland’s Business Icon Is Like Now
Toivo Sukari has never been one to beat around the bush. And now, with Finland's economy crawling and business owners feeling the squeeze, the Turku native is stepping forward again with words that demand attention. This isn’t just another press release about Maskun Kalustetalo’s financial results. This is a straight-talking analysis from a man who built an empire – and has also seen just how fragile it can be.
"Everyone's Struggling" – Sukari's Blunt Assessment
I met Sukari last week, and while the same passion still burns within him, there's a different weight to his presence now. He’s not trying to paint a rosy picture. Quite the opposite. When I asked him what he thought of the current business climate, he dismissed any sugar-coating. "Everyone's struggling," he stated bluntly. It wasn’t a complaint, just a fact. It was the same raw Finnish honesty he’s known for – the kind that’s sorely needed in this country.
In his view, the entire entrepreneurial landscape is under pressure right now. While big chains and networks seem to be holding their ground, Sukari reminds us that the actual work is being done by ordinary people. It's the work that stretches days into nights. This is the reality visible in Ideapark Lempäälä and Ideapark Oulu: customers are there, but purchasing 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. Although he has officially stepped back from day-to-day operations, he hasn't disappeared. And this is precisely where another heavyweight of Finnish business enters the scene: Jouni K. Kemppainen.
Over the years, Kemppainen has been the person with whom Sukari has shared not just business ideas, but also the toughest moments. When Maskun Kalustetalo was in deep water back in the day, these two men found their way to each other. It’s not just about business. It's a mutual understanding forged from faith, hope, and love for their own work. Sukari himself says that without a partner who shares the same vision for the future, none of this would work.
- Maskun Kalustetalo's DNA: Sukari emphasises that the furniture business is still at the core. It’s not some "digital social media hype"; it’s about tangible products that people need to try out for themselves.
- The Power of Ideapark: To Sukari, Ideapark Lempäälä and Oulu are more than just shopping centres. They are “living rooms” where Finnish families go. He knows that if people aren't coming here, they're not going anywhere.
- Speaking Plainly: On the current crisis, his view is clear: “Politicians should stay quiet now and let businesses get on with their work.”
What Does the Future Hold?
When it comes to his legacy, Sukari doesn't ramble. He wants to see the places he built – the Ideaparks, Maskun Kalustetalo – continue to thrive. And while he is critical of the current situation, he hasn’t lost his sharp eye for opportunity. "Finland still has those who get things done," he says, adding that now is the time to take risks.
One thing is certain: as long as Toivo Sukari is breathing, he’ll say what he thinks. And he won’t leave anyone guessing about his views on the state of entrepreneurship. This is the authenticity we so desperately need here in the Nordics. You won’t find it in PowerPoint presentations, but in a man who, when he walks into a room, knows exactly what he’s talking about.