Toivo Sukari Speaks Candidly: “Everyone’s Doing Badly” – 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 grinds along and business owners are feeling the pinch, the Turku region’s very own son is once again stepping forward with words that demand attention. This isn’t just another press release about Maskun Kalustetalo’s financial results. It’s a straight-talking analysis from a man who has built an empire—and has also seen just how fragile it can be.

“Everyone’s Doing Badly” – Sukari’s Stark 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 for his take on the current business climate, he dismissed any sugar-coating. “Everyone’s doing badly”, he stated bluntly. It wasn’t a complaint, but an observation. It was the same Finnish honesty he’s known for—the kind we could use more of in this country.

According to him, the entire business sector is really struggling 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 kind of work that stretches days and shortens nights. This is the reality reflected at Ideapark Lempäälä and Ideapark Oulu too: there are customers, but spending power just isn’t what it used to be.

Faith, Hope, and 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 daily operations, he hasn’t gone anywhere. And it’s right here that another heavyweight of Finnish business steps into the picture: Jouni K. Kemppainen.

Over the years, Kemppainen has been the person with whom Sukari has shared not just business ideas, but the toughest moments too. Back when Maskun Kalustetalo was in deep waters, these two men found their way to each other. It’s not just about business. It’s a mutual understanding that only comes from that faith, hope, and love for what they do. Sukari himself says that without a partner who sees the same vision for the future, this whole thing wouldn’t amount to anything.

• The DNA of Maskun Kalustetalo: Sukari reminds us that the furniture business is still the core. It’s not some “digital social media hype”, but tangible goods that you need to be able to try out.
• The Power of Ideapark: For Sukari, Ideapark Lempäälä and Oulu aren’t just shopping centres. They are “living rooms” where Finnish families hang out. He knows that if it’s not busy there, it’s not busy anywhere.
• Straight Talk: He has a clear view on the current challenges: “Politicians should just keep quiet now and let businesses get on with their work.”

What Does the Future Look Like?

When it comes to his legacy, Sukari doesn’t mince words. 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 opportunities. “Finland still has the right people to get things done” , he says, adding that now is exactly the time to be bold.

One thing is for sure: 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 so much here in the Nordics. You won’t find it in PowerPoint presentations, but in the way a man walks into the room knowing exactly what he’s talking about.