Dave Kindig built a multi-million-dollar custom car empire without a formal design degree, relying instead on raw talent, relentless hard work, and a lifelong obsession with hot rods. As the creative force behind Kindig-It Design and the star of the hit MotorTrend television series Bitchin' Rides, his estimated net worth sits comfortably around $8 million. While internet rumors often inflate celebrity fortunes into tens of millions, this figure reflects a sustainable business model combining high-end automotive fabrication, television production revenue, and proprietary product lines.
Understanding how this Utah-based fabricator turned sheet metal and horsepower into a financial powerhouse requires looking past standard celebrity net worth calculators. His wealth stems from a diversified operating model rather than a single payout, scaling from custom client builds that command six-figure price tags to mass-market licensing deals.
The Foundation of Kindig-It Design
Long before television cameras captured the daily operations of his Salt Lake City shop, Dave and his wife, Charity, launched Kindig-It Design in 1999. They started small, focusing on high-end custom builds, conceptual design rendering, and complete vehicle restorations. Over two decades, the shop evolved into a massive 27,000-square-foot facility housing elite fabricators, painters, and interior specialists.
Shops of this caliber operate differently than standard collision repair centers. Building a custom hot rod from the ground up often takes thousands of labor hours. Clients commission Kindig-It Design knowing that individual vehicle builds can cost anywhere from $100,000 to well over $400,000 depending on the complexity, custom chassis fabrication, and specialized engine tuning. This steady stream of affluent clientele forms the bedrock of the company's annual revenue. To read more about the context here, IGN provides an excellent summary.
Television Earnings and MotorTrend Success
The premiere of Bitchin' Rides on the Velocity network (now MotorTrend) in 2014 transformed a successful local custom shop into an international brand. Television contracts contributed significantly to his personal net worth, though custom car reality stars typically earn per-episode fees alongside production backend percentages.
More importantly, the show functions as a continuous marketing engine. Airing across multiple seasons to millions of viewers worldwide generated unmatched exposure for Kindig-It Design. Following the show's debut, the shop's waiting list for custom car builds stretched out for years, allowing them to selectively choose high-profile projects that command top-tier pricing.
Signature Vehicles and Auction Values
Vehicles rolling out of the Kindig shop frequently command massive sums on the auction block. One of their most successful proprietary ventures is the CF1 Roadster series, a carbon-fiber body replica styled after the iconic 1953 Corvette.
- CF1 #4 crossed the block at Barrett-Jackson for $605,000.
- CF1 #5 achieved $770,000 at a Mecum auction.
- Custom one-off builds like the 1965 Chevy Bel Air "Enyo" claimed prestigious industry titles, including the Detroit Autorama Ridler Award, which instantly elevates the valuation and prestige of any vehicle associated with the shop.
These high-value public sales prove that Kindig vehicles perform as appreciating automotive art pieces, further cementing the brand's financial viability.
Expanding the Brand Beyond the Shop
Relying solely on physical car builds limits growth, so Kindig diversified his revenue streams through strategic manufacturing and licensing partnerships.
- Kindig It Design Merchandise: Branded apparel, hats, and shop gear provide consistent retail income.
- Design Partnerships: Collaborations with aftermarket manufacturers, paint suppliers, and wheel companies bring in lucrative endorsement revenue.
- Door Handles and Hardware: The shop designs and sells custom flush-fit door handles and automotive hardware used by builders across the globe.
These ancillary product lines generate passive revenue that insulates the business from the cyclical nature of custom car commissions.
Common Misconceptions About Custom Car Fortunes
Many automotive enthusiasts assume custom builders pocket the entire six-figure auction price or client invoice as personal profit. Operating a top-tier fabrication shop involves steep overhead costs.
Running a facility with dozens of master technicians, specialized tooling, paint booths, and high-end machinery eats into gross margins. Furthermore, custom builds frequently run over initial time estimates due to unforeseen fabrication challenges, meaning the actual profit margin on a given project requires careful management. Kindig's wealth accumulated through decades of consistent business execution rather than an overnight windfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Kindig-It Design?
Dave and Charity Kindig co-founded the company in 1999 and maintain joint ownership of the business and its associated brands.
How much does a car build from Kindig-It cost?
While pricing varies based on the scope of work, most complete custom builds start well into six figures, with specialized projects and proprietary models like the CF1 exceeding half a million dollars.
Does Dave Kindig still work hands-on in the shop?
Yes. Despite his television commitments and management duties, he remains heavily involved in the initial design sketching, concept generation, and final quality control of vehicles leaving the shop.
What was Dave Kindig's first big break in the industry?
Before opening his shop, he worked in the vector graphics and snowboarding industries, designing graphics before fully transitioning his artistic talents into automotive design and custom hot rods.
Dave Kindig's Best Bitchin' Ride This video provides an inside look at Dave Kindig's personal car collection and custom builds featured on his show.
