Toivo Sukari Speaks Out: “Everyone’s Doing It Tough” – What the Finnish Business Icon Is Like Now

Toivo Sukari has never been one to beat around the bush. And now, as Finland’s economy crawls along and business owners are feeling the squeeze, the local lad from the Turku region has once again stepped forward with words that demand attention. This isn’t just another press release about Maskun Kalustetalo’s financial results. It’s a straight-up assessment from a man who built an empire – and has also seen just how fragile it can be.

“Everyone’s Doing It Tough” – Sukari’s Stark Assessment

I met with Sukari last week, and while he still has that same fire, 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 cut straight to the chase. “Everyone’s doing it tough,” he stated bluntly. It wasn’t a complaint, just an observation. It was that same Finnish honesty he’s known for – the kind we could do with more of in this country.

According to him, the entire business sector is under pressure right now. While major chains and networks seem to be holding their ground, Sukari reminds us that the real work is done by everyday people. The kind of work where days get longer and nights get shorter. This is the reality visible at Ideapark Lempäälä and Ideapark Oulu too: customers are coming, but 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 when it comes to Sukari. Even though he has officially stepped back from day-to-day operations, he hasn’t gone anywhere. And that’s where another heavyweight of Finnish business enters the picture: 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 found their way to each other. It’s not just about business. It’s the kind of mutual understanding that doesn’t come without that faith, hope and love for what you do. Sukari himself says that without a mate like that, 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 frenzy”; it’s tangible goods that people need to see and try for themselves.
• The Power of Ideapark: For Sukari, Ideapark Lempäälä and Oulu aren’t just shopping centres. They’re “living rooms” where Finnish families come to spend time. He knows that if people aren’t going there, they’re not going anywhere.
• Straight Talk: When it comes to the current crisis, he has a clear view: “Politicians should just pipe down 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 even though he’s critical of the current situation, he hasn’t lost his sharp eye for opportunity. “Finland still has the right people getting the job done,” he says, adding that now is exactly the time to take some risks.

One thing’s for sure: as long as Toivo Sukari is breathing, he’ll say what he thinks. And he’ll leave no one guessing where he stands on the state of entrepreneurship. This is the authenticity we crave so much here in the North. You won’t find it in PowerPoint slides; you find it when a man walks into the room and knows exactly what he’s talking about.