Dave Kindig has an estimated net worth of $8 million, built through decades of high-end custom vehicle fabrication, parts manufacturing, and television production. As the founder of Kindig-it Design, he turned a passion for sketching cars into a multi-faceted enterprise anchored by the hit MotorTrend television series Bitchin' Rides.
Understanding how this automotive empire generates revenue requires looking past simple web rumors. His wealth stems from custom builds that often cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, steady media royalties, brand partnerships, and aftermarket product lines.
The Foundation: Kindig-it Design
Founded in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1999 by Dave and his wife Charity Kindig, Kindig-it Design operates out of a 27,000-square-foot facility. The shop handles everything from complete frame-off restorations to concept designs, custom metal fabrication, interior upholstery, and specialized paint jobs.
Unlike standard body shops that handle insurance repairs, Kindig's facility builds bespoke machines for elite clients, celebrities, and collectors. A single custom vehicle build from the shop routinely commands prices starting well into six figures, driven by thousands of hours of specialized labor, rare parts, and custom styling. The company generates an estimated annual revenue between $6 million and $10 million, supported by a skilled team of fabricators, painters, and designers.
Television Impact and Media Ventures
Television transformed Kindig from a respected regional builder into a global household name. Bitchin' Rides premiered on MotorTrend in 2014, giving viewers an inside look at the high-pressure environment of the Salt Lake City shop.
The show did more than just build brand awareness; it created a lucrative secondary revenue stream. While exact per-episode salaries for cable reality stars vary, successful automotive show hosts command significant appearance fees, backend syndication percentages, and production stipends. Furthermore, the exposure directly supercharged Kindig-it Design's order book, creating a multi-year waiting list for clients wanting a custom build. Following the primary television run, the brand expanded its digital footprint through content channels like MotorTrend, maintaining direct engagement with automotive enthusiasts globally.
Product Lines and Secondary Income Streams
Beyond building custom cars for clients, Kindig diversified his business model into proprietary automotive products and merchandise. Key revenue streams include:
- Aftermarket Component Sales: The shop designs and sells custom parts, including specialized door handles, wheels, and body accessories that other builders and enthusiasts buy for their own projects.
- Licensing and Merchandise: Branded apparel, scale model cars, and automotive care products generate steady passive income.
- Exclusive Custom Projects: High-profile concept cars, such as the Kindig CF1 (a carbon fiber Roadster inspired by the classic Corvette), allow the shop to showcase engineering capabilities and command massive price tags from elite collectors.
Common Misconceptions About Custom Car Fortunes
Internet finance blogs frequently inflate celebrity net worth figures, sometimes claiming automotive builders are worth tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. Custom car fabrication is a capital-intensive, high-overhead business. Maintaining a 27,000-square-foot facility, employing top-tier fabricators, investing in advanced machinery, and funding complex prototype builds consume a massive portion of gross revenue.
Dave Kindig's $8 million net worth reflects a sustainable, highly successful hands-on enterprise rather than a tech-style unicorn startup. It is tied directly to physical infrastructure, intellectual property, television equity, and tangible assets like personal car collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a car built by Kindig-it Design?
Builds from the shop vary based on complexity, but complete custom fabrication and restoration projects typically start around $100,000 to $200,000, with elaborate one-off concept cars exceeding $400,000 or more.
Is Dave Kindig still building cars?
Yes, Dave Kindig remains deeply involved in daily operations at the Salt Lake City shop, overseeing design concepts, metal shaping, and media projects alongside his family and crew.
What was Dave Kindig's career before custom cars?
Before opening Kindig-it Design, Dave worked in high-end coating and graphic design fields, applying his artistic background to snowboards, vehicles, and illustration before transitioning full-time into hot rod fabrication.
Where is Kindig-it Design located?
The business operates out of a custom facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah, which houses their design, fabrication, paint, and upholstery divisions under one roof.
