Toivo Sukari Speaks Candidly: “Things Are Tough for Everyone” – What the Finnish Business Icon Is Up to Now
Toivo Sukari has never been one to beat around the bush. And now, as Finland’s economy sputters and entrepreneurs are grinding their teeth, the local boy from the Turku region has stepped forward once again with words that command attention. This isn’t just another press release about Maskun Kalustetalo’s earnings. This is a straight-up analysis from a man who built an empire—and has also seen just how fragile it can be.
“Things Are Tough for Everyone” – Sukari’s Stark Assessment
I met with Sukari last week, and while he still has that same fire in 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 sugarcoating. “Things are tough for everyone,” he stated bluntly. It wasn’t a complaint, just an observation. It was that same Finnish honesty he’s known for—the kind this country could use more of.
In his view, the entire entrepreneurial field is now stretched thin. While big chains and networks seem to be holding their own, Sukari reminds us that the work is done by everyday people. It’s the kind of work where days stretch out and nights get shorter. This is the reality you see at Ideapark Lempäälä and Ideapark Oulu: customers are coming in, 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 for Sukari. Although he has officially stepped back from day-to-day operations, he hasn’t disappeared. And it’s right here that 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 years ago, these two men found each other. It’s not just about business. It’s a mutual understanding that doesn’t come without that faith, hope, and love for what they do. Sukari himself says that without a partner who shares the same vision of the future, none of this would be possible.
- The DNA of Maskun Kalustetalo: Sukari emphasizes that the furniture business is still at the core. It’s not some “digital social media fluff,” but tangible goods that people need to try out for themselves.
- The Power of Ideapark: For Sukari, Ideapark Lempäälä and Oulu aren’t just shopping centers. They are “living rooms” where Finnish families come to spend time. He knows that if people aren’t visiting there, they’re not visiting anywhere.
- Speaking Plainly: On the current crisis, he has a clear view: “Politicians should 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 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 its talented 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 long for up here in the North. You won’t find it in PowerPoint presentations, but in a man who walks into the room and knows exactly what he’s talking about.