Dave Kindig built an automotive empire out of a deep passion for sketching cars and reshaping sheet metal. Best known for heading Kindig-It Design and starring in the hit television series Bitchin' Rides on MotorTrend, his financial standing reflects decades of meticulous craftsmanship. Dave Kindig net worth is estimated at around $8 million, generated through custom builds, television contracts, proprietary vehicle lines, and merchandise.
Understanding how this Utah-based builder accumulated his wealth requires looking past basic biography summaries. His financial journey combines traditional hot rod building with modern media distribution, creating a diversified portfolio that shields his business from industry shifts.
Early Life and Foundation of Kindig-It Design
Long before television crews followed his every move, Dave Kindig spent his childhood sketching cars and building models. He didn't follow a traditional corporate path. Instead, he spent years working in high-end vehicle coatings and custom fabrication, learning the intricate details of automotive finishes.
In 1999, he and his wife, Charity Kindig, launched Kindig-It Design in Salt Lake City, Utah. Starting as a small shop, the business focused on high-end custom restorations and completely reimagined classic cars. Word-of-mouth spread quickly among collectors who wanted one-off modifications rather than simple factory restorations. Related analysis on this trend has been provided by BBC.
The shop's reputation grew because Kindig didn't just fix cars; he redesigned them. Door handles were shaved, bumpers were tucked, and custom wheels were machined specifically for individual projects. These custom touches commanded six-figure price tags per build, turning a local custom shop into a premier destination for elite car collectors.
The MotorTrend Television Impact
Television transformed Kindig from a successful local shop owner into a household name. Bitchin' Rides premiered on MotorTrend TV, giving viewers an unvarnished look at the long hours, engineering challenges, and artistic decisions happening inside the Utah workshop.
Television contracts contributed significantly to Dave Kindig net worth, but the show acted primarily as the ultimate marketing engine for Kindig-It Design. Following the show's success, the waiting list for a custom car build stretched out for years. Clients from around the world were willing to pay premium prices to have their vehicles transformed by Kindig's team.
The exposure also opened doors for lucrative brand partnerships. Tool manufacturers, paint companies, and automotive aftermarket brands lined up to sponsor or collaborate with the shop, adding steady streams of non-build revenue.
Diversifying Income Beyond the Shop Floor
Relying solely on custom vehicle builds carries high labor costs and financial risks. Recognizing this, Kindig expanded his business model into scalable products.
- Kindig CF1 Roadster: The shop developed its own line of custom composite fiberglass bodies modeled after classic Corvettes. Instead of modifying an existing vintage chassis, the company began selling turnkey specialty cars, increasing profit margins per unit.
- Custom Parts and Accessories: Kindig-It Design manufactures proprietary hardware, door handles, steering wheels, and exhaust components sold directly to other builders and enthusiasts.
- Digital Media Expansion: Following traditional broadcasting, the brand leaned into direct digital content, launching dedicated channels to keep fans engaged and market ongoing projects.
- Apparel and Merchandise: Branded merchandise lines capitalize on the massive television fan base, providing consistent cash flow with low overhead.
Industry Recognition and Awards
Financial success in the custom car world often tracks closely with peer validation. Kindig's team has hauled home numerous trophies from major national car shows, including elite accolades at the Detroit Autorama.
Winning top industry awards validates the steep price tags attached to Kindig builds. When a shop commands hundreds of thousands of dollars for a single restoration, award-winning execution is what justifies those numbers to high-net-worth buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dave Kindig's primary source of income?
While television appearances and merchandise bring steady revenue, custom car builds and proprietary vehicle lines like the CF1 generate the bulk of his business earnings.
How much does a car from Kindig-It Design cost?
Custom builds from the shop generally start well into six figures. Because every vehicle requires thousands of hours of custom metalwork, interior fabrication, and paint, final prices frequently exceed $300,000 to $500,000 depending on the complexity.
Is Kindig-It Design still open?
Yes, the shop continues to operate out of its original headquarters in Utah, managing high-end builds, parts manufacturing, and digital content creation.
How did Dave Kindig get famous?
His fame stems from a combination of elite hot rod building skills and the massive success of the reality television series Bitchin' Rides, which documented his shop's daily operations.
