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Our Story

Daniel & Jeanette Tostenson

​It's About the Journey

Daniel & Jeanette Tostenson

THE BEGINNING 1992: Daniel wrote the infamous “Qwiznibet” poem, which became the inspiration for his first book “Introducing Odee Dickens and Qwiznibet Square Junction,” as he was sitting at Carl’s Jr. in Castaic, California  having a cup of coffee and a chocolate chip cookie. This was the springboard for the Qwiznibet brand. However, it wasn't until many years later in 2009 that the story began to unfold. 

 

 *FUN FACT:  From the beginning of their marriage (2000), Daniel & Jeanette say “there were signs they were destined to pursue the Qwiznibet world of whimsy and rhyme because they would always get into contests trying to out rhyme the other in their conversations!” The contest is still ongoing… Who will win? Only time will tell. 


1999-2015: Daniel and Jeanette’s combined experience in the entertainment industry spans well over 2 decades. Daniel has worked as an on-camera actor for film, commercials and spokesperson/host, as well as voice-over talent for national commercial campaigns. Jeanette has had the privilege to work as an executive assistant to a director in Los Angeles, California. In addition, she has worked as a graphic designer, an audio/video editor, as well as a managing partner in the wonderful world of media. Their unique background of diverse and various interests and experience also carry over into the arena of specialty foods. 

2009: Daniel and Jeanette Tostenson moved to Fergus Falls, Minnesota to begin their journey into the food business in a certified kitchen at the local YMCA. As a family, they had all talked about bottling up Grandma’s old-fashioned recipes and sharing their traditions with a new generation, particularly her sloppy joes. But these were more than just delicious recipes. They felt that these recipes had the power to conjure up nostalgic feelings of old-fashioned family memories, and just good feelings of simpler days gone by. After spending two years in Daniel's hometown of Fergus Falls, in 2011 Daniel and Jeanette moved to the Twin Cities to continue the journey and work on their brand.
 
After their move, they retraced their steps back to the original poem and began working on their first Children's Picture Book, entitled "Introducing Odee Dickens and Qwiznibet Square Junction", featuring a cast of very unique cartoon characters, highlighting the overall theme of the Qwiznibet brand. Coincidentally, several of these characters had some very similar recipes of their own! They seemed to be the perfect complement to what Daniel and Jeanette were seeking to promote through Grandma’s recipes. One of these “Citizens of Qwiznibet” is Henrietta, a 1950’s “Leave it to Beaver” type mom who also just happens to be a cow! Daniel and Jeanette’s pursuit of creating magical moments and memories through these recipes along with the magic of the Qwiznibet characters, their stories and their wares, was a perfect fit. And thus, Qwiznibet Foods came to be. ​

Their specialty food brands include Henrietta's Sauces, Hornsby's Dessert Sauces, as well as Mrs. Fromley’s  Specialty Dessert Jams. Jeanette's wonderful jam concoctions include a Lavender twist from her French roots.​ The entire Qwiznibet Brand is a blend of old mixed with new, as well as a combination of Daniel's Midwest upbringing and Jeanette's German and French heritage. ​

Qwiznibet AND Qwiznibet Foods, have recently enlisted the talents of 4-time Emmy Award winning illustrator/animator Greg Peters to help launch a creative new ad campaign to promote their unique array of products.  


Greg’s list of credits reads like the who’s who in the animation world, with names such as Hanna-Barbera and Disney. With his invaluable help and creativity, they will be expanding their advertising to include whimsical illustrations to promote their old-fashioned recipes, as well as a corresponding cast of very special cartoon characters, books and collectibles.

 

Coming soon: Qwiznibet, the parent company for Qwiznibet Foods, will also be introducing Qwiznibet Studios, utilizing Greg and his team’s premier animation skills, bringing the whimsical world of Qwiznibet to life on film and video.

 

Continue to stay tooned for the latest information and updates.

MISSION: Qwiznibet is a "Give Back" Company. Our efforts help to provide an opportunity for the less fortunate to live productive lives. We currently support an organizing called Project HOOD in Chicago. Their mission it to end senseless violence, end recidivism, and build communities, one neighborhood at a time. Project H.O.O.D.’s programming equips youth, adults, and families with the resources, skills, tools, and experiences that are needed to be successful, healthy, and upwardly mobile members of society. 

 

As we continue to grow, Daniel & Jeanette's desire is to make a difference in their community and abroad by combating homelessness, funding homes to support young women and children, as well as opportunities for education and the arts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel & Odee

Daniel and Jeanette's Life Goal is to help those in need by establishing a foundation that will continue beyond their own lives.

They have said... "Our Life Goal is what makes the journey worthwhile..."

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