Toivo Sukari Speaks His Mind: “Everyone’s Struggling” – A Look at the Finnish Business Icon Today
Toivo Sukari has never been one to mince words. And now, as the Finnish economy crawls along and entrepreneurs are feeling the squeeze, the man from the Turku region has stepped forward once again with words that demand attention. This isn’t just another press release about Maskun Kalustetalo’s earnings. 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 Stark Assessment
I met Sukari last week, and while he still has that same fire in him, there’s a new weight to his presence. He’s not trying to paint a rosy picture. Quite the opposite. When I asked him about 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 straightforward Finnish honesty he’s known for—the kind we could use more of in this country.
According to him, the entire entrepreneurial landscape is under pressure right now. While big chains and networks might seem to be holding their ground, Sukari reminds us that the real work is done by ordinary people. The kind of work that stretches days into nights. This is the reality on display at Ideapark Lempäälä and Ideapark Oulu: customers are coming, but their 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 for Sukari. Even though he’s officially stepped back from day-to-day operations, he’s still very much present. And this is where another heavyweight of Finnish business, Jouni K. Kemppainen, enters the picture.
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 waters back in the day, these two men found common ground. It’s not 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 partner who shares the same vision for the future, this whole endeavour wouldn’t amount to anything.
- The DNA of Maskun Kalustetalo: Sukari emphasises that furniture retail is still at its core. It’s not some “digital social media buzz,” but real, tangible products that people need to try out.
- The Power of Ideapark: For Sukari, Ideapark Lempäälä and Oulu are more than just shopping centres. They are “living rooms” where Finnish families come to spend time. He knows that if people aren’t going there, they’re not going anywhere.
- Speaking Plainly: On the current crisis, his view is clear: “Politicians should just keep quiet and let businesses get on with their work.”
What Does the Future Look Like?
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 despite his criticism of the current situation, he hasn’t lost his sharp eye for opportunity. “Finland still has all the right people,” he says, adding that now is exactly 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 crave here in the Nordics. You won’t find it in PowerPoint presentations. You find it when a man walks into the room and knows exactly what he’s talking about.