Dave Kindig Net Worth, Age, Career, Family & Wife 2026

Dave Kindig net worth has become a hot topic among automotive enthusiasts and reality TV fans worldwide.

As the mastermind behind Kindig-It Design and star of the hit show “Bitchin’ Rides,” Dave has transformed his passion for custom cars into a multi-million dollar empire.

His unique approach to automotive design has revolutionized the car customization industry. From humble beginnings in Salt Lake City to becoming one of the most recognized names in custom car building, Dave’s journey showcases dedication, creativity, and business acumen.

This comprehensive guide explores Dave Kindig’s financial success, career milestones, family life, and the empire he’s built over decades.

Quick Facts About Dave Kindig

Category	Details
Full Name	Dave Kindig
Date of Birth	February 6, 1971
Age	55 years old (as of 2026)
Birthplace	Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Net Worth	$3.5 million – $4 million (2026 estimate)
Profession	Automotive Designer, TV Personality, Entrepreneur
Company	Kindig-It Design
TV Show	Bitchin’ Rides (MotorTrend)
Wife	Charity Kindig
Children	Baylee Kindig, Drew Kindig
Years Active	1999 – Present

Dave Kindig Net Worth in 2026

Dave Kindig net worth is estimated to be between $3.5 million and $4 million as of 2026. This impressive wealth comes from multiple revenue streams including his custom car shop, television appearances, merchandise sales, and brand partnerships. His success in the automotive industry spans over two decades.

The majority of his wealth stems from Kindig-It Design, his custom car fabrication shop that attracts high-profile clients willing to pay premium prices for unique automotive creations. Each custom build can range from $200,000 to over $500,000, depending on complexity and client specifications.

His television career with “Bitchin’ Rides” has significantly boosted his income. Reality TV stars in automotive shows typically earn between $20,000 to $50,000 per episode. With multiple seasons under his belt, this represents substantial earnings.

Beyond these primary sources, Dave generates income through car shows, speaking engagements, licensing deals, and his online presence. His brand has become synonymous with quality craftsmanship in the custom car world.

Early Life and Background

Dave Kindig was born on February 6, 1971, in Salt Lake City, Utah. From childhood, he exhibited an extraordinary fascination with automobiles and design. His artistic abilities emerged early, often sketching cars and imagining custom modifications.

Growing up in Utah provided Dave with a unique perspective on automotive culture. He spent countless hours studying classic cars and learning about fabrication techniques. His passion wasn’t just about driving cars but understanding every mechanical and aesthetic component.

His family supported his automotive interests, though they couldn’t have predicted the empire he would eventually build. Dave’s formative years involved hands-on learning, dismantling vehicles, and experimenting with different design concepts.

Education played a crucial role in shaping his career. While specific details about his formal education remain private, Dave’s expertise clearly comes from a combination of technical training and practical experience in automotive design and fabrication.

Career Journey and Rise to Fame

Dave Kindig founded Kindig-It Design in 1999 with a clear vision: creating automotive masterpieces that blend classic aesthetics with modern technology. His shop started small but quickly gained recognition for exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs.

The early years involved building a reputation through word-of-mouth and car show appearances. Dave’s attention to detail and ability to bring clients’ visions to life set him apart from competitors. Each project became a testament to his artistic and technical abilities.

His breakthrough came when MotorTrend (formerly Velocity Channel) approached him about a reality show. “Bitchin’ Rides” premiered in 2014 and showcased the intricate process of building custom cars. The show highlighted not just the final products but the challenges and creativity involved.

The television exposure catapulted Dave and his shop into international recognition. Suddenly, Kindig-It Design wasn’t just a local Utah shop but a destination for car enthusiasts worldwide. The show’s success has led to multiple seasons and continues strong in 2026.

Kindig-It Design: The Business Empire

Kindig-It Design represents the cornerstone of Dave Kindig net worth and reputation. Located in Salt Lake City, the 27,000-square-foot facility houses state-of-the-art equipment and a talented team of craftsmen, fabricators, and designers.

The shop specializes in complete custom builds, restorations, and modifications. Their signature style involves taking classic car silhouettes and incorporating modern performance and comfort features. This “resto-mod” approach has become their trademark.

Client projects at Kindig-It Design typically take six months to two years to complete. The shop maintains a waiting list due to high demand. Clients come from across the United States and internationally, willing to wait for Dave’s unique touch.

The business employs approximately 30 full-time staff members, each specializing in different aspects of custom car building. From metalwork and painting to upholstery and mechanical engineering, the team represents the best in the industry.

Television Career: Bitchin’ Rides Success

“Bitchin’ Rides” has been instrumental in expanding Dave Kindig net worth and brand recognition. The show premiered on September 3, 2014, and has produced over 10 seasons, making it one of MotorTrend’s longest-running series.

Each episode follows the Kindig-It Design team as they tackle challenging custom builds. Viewers witness the entire process from initial client consultation through design, fabrication, and final reveal. The show educates while entertaining.

The series showcases Dave’s design philosophy and problem-solving abilities. Often, projects encounter unexpected challenges that require creative solutions. These moments highlight the expertise and adaptability that define Kindig-It Design.

Television success has created additional revenue streams beyond episode payments. Dave’s increased visibility has led to sponsorship opportunities, merchandise sales, and speaking engagements at automotive events worldwide. His TV personality has made him approachable yet professional.

Income Sources and Revenue Streams

Dave Kindig net worth derives from diversified income sources. His primary revenue comes from custom car builds, with projects ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 or more. High-end clients seeking exclusive designs contribute significantly to annual earnings.

Television salary from “Bitchin’ Rides” represents another substantial income source. While exact figures remain confidential, successful automotive reality show hosts can earn $30,000-$50,000 per episode. With multiple episodes per season, this accumulates considerably.

Merchandise sales through the Kindig-It Design brand include apparel, accessories, and branded products. Loyal fans and car enthusiasts purchase these items, creating steady passive income. The online store has expanded significantly over recent years.

Car show appearances and speaking engagements provide additional earnings. Dave regularly attends major automotive events where he commands appearance fees. His expertise makes him a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and enthusiast gatherings.

Design Philosophy and Signature Style

Dave Kindig’s design philosophy centers on blending classic automotive beauty with modern performance and technology. He believes cars should be both visually stunning and functionally superior. This approach has defined his career and attracted discerning clients.

His signature style often involves lowering vehicles, smoothing body lines, and incorporating subtle modern touches without compromising classic aesthetics. The goal is creating timeless designs that won’t look dated in future decades.

Attention to detail extends to every component. Dave insists on perfection in paint quality, panel gaps, interior craftsmanship, and mechanical execution. This uncompromising standard has become synonymous with the Kindig-It Design brand.

Color choices reflect Dave’s artistic sensibilities. He often selects unique custom paint formulations that enhance vehicle contours and create visual impact. His color sense has influenced trends throughout the custom car industry.

Notable Custom Car Projects

Throughout his career, Dave has created numerous automotive masterpieces. The “SEMA Beatnik” stands as one of his most recognized builds—a completely custom hot rod that garnered international attention and numerous awards at major car shows.

The “CF1” represents Dave’s ultimate vision—his own designed and manufactured sports car. This project showcased his ability to create vehicles from scratch rather than modifying existing platforms. The CF1 generated significant industry buzz and potential production interest.

Classic Corvette builds have become Kindig-It Design specialties. Dave has transformed various generation Corvettes into modern performance machines while maintaining their iconic styling. These projects demonstrate his respect for automotive heritage combined with contemporary capabilities.

His work on classic Ford and Chevrolet trucks has helped popularize the resto-mod truck trend. By combining vintage truck aesthetics with modern chassis, powertrains, and amenities, Dave has shown these vehicles can be daily drivers with classic appeal.

Personal Life: Family and Marriage

Dave Kindig’s personal life centers around his wife, Charity Kindig, whom he married in 1992. Their relationship spans over three decades, providing stability throughout his career journey. Charity has been instrumental in supporting Dave’s entrepreneurial ventures.

Charity actively participates in the Kindig-It Design business, handling administrative responsibilities and contributing to the shop’s operations. Her involvement demonstrates the family-oriented nature of their enterprise. She occasionally appears on “Bitchin’ Rides,” giving viewers glimpses into their partnership.

The couple has two children: daughter Baylee Kindig and son Drew Kindig. Both have grown up surrounded by automotive culture and have developed their own interests. The family maintains relative privacy despite Dave’s television fame.

Dave balances his demanding career with family time, often involving his family in automotive events and activities. This integration of professional and personal life reflects his values and priorities beyond financial success.

Wife: Charity Kindig

Charity Kindig plays a crucial role in both Dave’s personal life and professional success. As his wife of over 30 years, she provides unwavering support for his ambitious projects and business ventures.

Her involvement in Kindig-It Design extends beyond spousal support. Charity manages various business operations, handles communications, and contributes to the company’s smooth functioning. Her organizational skills complement Dave’s creative talents.

Despite being married to a television personality, Charity maintains a relatively low profile. She makes selective appearances on “Bitchin’ Rides” but generally prefers working behind the scenes. This approach allows Dave to shine while she ensures business operations run efficiently.

The couple’s enduring relationship serves as a foundation for Dave’s success. Charity’s understanding of the automotive industry’s demands and Dave’s passionate dedication creates a partnership that has weathered challenges and celebrated triumphs together.

Children and Family Life

Baylee Kindig and Drew Kindig grew up immersed in automotive culture. Their childhood involved visiting their father’s shop, attending car shows, and understanding the custom car business from unique perspectives.

Baylee has developed her own identity while appreciating her father’s work. She maintains a presence on social media where she occasionally shares family moments and automotive content. Her relationship with her father reflects mutual respect and admiration.

Drew Kindig has shown interest in the automotive field, though specific details about his career path remain private. Growing up with access to world-class car builders and designers has provided him with unique opportunities and insights.

The Kindig family values privacy while maintaining accessibility to fans. They share selected moments on social media, allowing followers to connect with them personally while maintaining boundaries. This balance reflects modern celebrity family dynamics.

Awards and Recognition

Dave Kindig’s work has earned numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. His custom builds regularly win top honors at major automotive events including SEMA, Goodguys, and various hot rod shows across the country.

The “Ridler Award” consideration represents one of the custom car industry’s highest honors. While specific wins remain confidential, Kindig-It Design builds consistently compete at the highest levels, demonstrating industry recognition of Dave’s talents.

MotorTrend’s continued support of “Bitchin’ Rides” serves as recognition of the show’s quality and Dave’s appeal. The series’ longevity in a competitive television landscape validates his approach and entertainment value.

Industry publications regularly feature Kindig-It Design projects. Magazines like Hot Rod, Street Rodder, and Custom Classic Trucks showcase Dave’s work, providing peer recognition and exposing his designs to broader audiences.

Business Expansion and Growth

Kindig-It Design has experienced significant growth since its 1999 founding. The facility expanded multiple times to accommodate increasing demand and sophisticated equipment. The current 27,000-square-foot space represents substantial investment in infrastructure.

Staff growth reflects business expansion. From Dave working essentially alone in early years to employing 30+ specialized craftsmen demonstrates the company’s evolution. Each team member brings specific expertise to collaborative projects.

The introduction of the CF1 sports car represents potential new business directions. While primarily a passion project, the vehicle’s reception suggests possibilities for limited production or licensing opportunities that could diversify revenue streams.

Digital presence has expanded significantly. The Kindig-It Design website, social media channels, and online merchandise store create global reach impossible in pre-internet eras. This digital expansion contributes to brand growth and Dave Kindig net worth.

Impact on Custom Car Industry

Dave Kindig has significantly influenced custom car trends and standards. His design aesthetic has inspired countless builders and enthusiasts. The “Kindig style” represents recognizable characteristics that others attempt to emulate.

His emphasis on quality craftsmanship has raised industry standards. Clients now expect higher levels of finish and attention to detail, partially due to visibility “Bitchin’ Rides” provides to the building process. This elevation benefits the entire custom car industry.

Dave’s success has demonstrated that custom car building can be viable business rather than just hobby work. Young people entering the field see possibilities for professional careers in automotive customization, thanks partially to examples like Kindig-It Design.

The resto-mod movement has gained momentum partially through Dave’s influential work. His ability to blend classic and modern elements has shown enthusiasts they don’t need to choose between vintage aesthetics and contemporary performance.

Challenges and Controversies

Like any public figure, Dave Kindig has faced challenges and occasional controversies. Some industry competitors have questioned certain build aspects or timeline representations on “Bitchin’ Rides.” Dave has addressed such concerns professionally.

The reality television format naturally creates some tension between entertainment value and documentary accuracy. Viewers sometimes debate whether timelines and challenges shown represent complete reality or include dramatic elements for television purposes.

Managing client expectations while maintaining artistic integrity presents ongoing challenges. High-profile clients with specific visions don’t always align perfectly with Dave’s design philosophy, requiring diplomatic negotiations and compromises.

Business growth challenges include maintaining quality while scaling operations. As demand increases, Dave must balance accepting more projects against ensuring each build meets Kindig-It Design standards that built his reputation.

Social Media Presence and Influence

Dave Kindig maintains active social media presence across platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. His accounts showcase ongoing projects, behind-the-scenes content, and personal moments, connecting with hundreds of thousands of followers.

Instagram serves as his primary platform where he shares high-quality photos of completed builds, work-in-progress shots, and occasional family content. His visual approach aligns perfectly with automotive content that thrives on striking imagery.

The Kindig-It Design YouTube channel provides extended content beyond “Bitchin’ Rides” episodes. Shop tours, build updates, and Q&A sessions give fans deeper access to the business and Dave’s personality.

Social media has become essential for business marketing and brand building. Dave’s authentic engagement with followers creates loyalty that translates into shop business, merchandise sales, and show viewership. His digital influence extends his reach globally.

Future Plans and Projects

Looking toward 2026 and beyond, Dave Kindig continues expanding his automotive empire. New seasons of “Bitchin’ Rides” remain in production, ensuring continued television presence and the exposure it provides.

The CF1 sports car project may evolve into limited production or licensing deals. Dave has expressed interest in making his designed vehicles available to broader audiences, though specific plans remain under development.

Kindig-It Design continues accepting high-end custom projects. The shop’s reputation ensures steady demand from clients willing to wait years for Dave’s unique touch on their automotive dreams.

Potential book deals, documentary projects, or expanded merchandise lines represent logical growth directions. Dave’s story and expertise provide content that could reach audiences beyond current followers through different media formats.

Lifestyle and Assets

Dave Kindig’s lifestyle reflects success without ostentation. While he could afford extravagant displays of wealth, he maintains relatively grounded approach focused on work, family, and automotive passion rather than conspicuous consumption.

His personal car collection includes various custom vehicles built at his shop. These represent both personal transportation and rolling advertisements for Kindig-It Design capabilities. Each vehicle in his collection showcases different design approaches.

Real estate holdings likely include his family home in Utah and the commercial property housing Kindig-It Design. While specific details remain private, these assets contribute significantly to overall net worth calculations.

Dave invests time in his passions rather than purely financial pursuits. His lifestyle prioritizes creating automotive art, spending time with family, and building his legacy over accumulating maximum wealth or luxury goods.

Comparison with Other Automotive Personalities

When comparing Dave Kindig net worth with other automotive television personalities, he falls in the middle range. Chip Foose, another custom car designer, has similar estimated net worth around $3-4 million.

Richard Rawlings of “Fast N’ Loud” fame has higher estimated net worth around $15-20 million, partially due to multiple business ventures beyond custom builds. Wayne Carini from “Chasing Classic Cars” has estimated net worth of $20 million, boosted by decades in the collector car business.

These comparisons show Dave’s financial success is respectable within the automotive entertainment industry. His wealth reflects sustainable business building rather than spectacular but potentially unstable ventures.

Dave’s approach focuses on quality over quantity, which may limit maximum earning potential compared to higher-volume operations but ensures consistent reputation and client satisfaction that supports long-term business health.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

While Dave Kindig keeps charitable activities relatively private, he participates in automotive charity events and causes. Custom car builders often donate time and resources to benefit auctions supporting various organizations.

The visibility “Bitchin’ Rides” provides helps promote automotive education and trades. By showcasing skilled craftsmen and the satisfaction of creating physical products, Dave indirectly encourages young people toward manufacturing careers.

Local Utah community involvement includes supporting automotive education programs and potentially mentoring aspiring builders. Though specific details aren’t publicized, successful businesspeople typically contribute to their communities in various ways.

The custom car industry generally supports charitable causes through vehicle builds auctioned for charity. Dave’s participation in this tradition reflects industry values and provides opportunities to contribute meaningfully to important causes.

Business Strategy and Success Factors

Dave Kindig’s success stems from several key factors. First, exceptional talent and artistic vision differentiate his work from competitors. His designs are immediately recognizable and consistently praised for aesthetic excellence.

Second, attention to quality over quantity maintains reputation. Rather than rushing projects to maximize volume, Kindig-It Design takes necessary time to ensure each build meets exacting standards. This approach builds client loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.

Third, television exposure provides marketing no amount of paid advertising could match. “Bitchin’ Rides” showcases capabilities to millions of viewers, creating constant demand for Dave’s services and expanding his brand globally.

Fourth, strong family support provides stability. Charity’s involvement in business operations and family unity allow Dave to focus creative energies while maintaining personal life balance. This holistic success approach prevents burnout common in demanding industries.

The Custom Car Building Process

Kindig-It Design’s build process begins with client consultations where Dave discusses vision, budget, and timelines. These conversations establish project parameters and ensure mutual understanding before work begins.

Design phase involves Dave creating sketches and digital renderings showing proposed modifications. Clients review these visualizations and provide feedback, allowing refinements before physical work commences. This prevents costly mid-project changes.

Fabrication involves disassembling vehicles to bare frames or bodies, then beginning modifications. Metal fabrication, chassis work, and structural changes happen first. This phase requires skilled craftsmen executing Dave’s designs precisely.

Assembly and finishing bring projects to completion. Paint application, interior installation, mechanical assembly, and final detailing transform raw builds into finished masterpieces. Quality control ensures every detail meets Kindig-It Design standards before client delivery.

Industry Trends and Dave’s Influence

The custom car industry has shifted toward resto-mod approaches that Dave Kindig helped popularize. Enthusiasts increasingly want classic aesthetics combined with modern reliability and performance—exactly Dave’s specialty.

Digital design tools have revolutionized custom building. Dave’s adoption of 3D modeling and digital fabrication techniques demonstrates how technology enhances rather than replaces craftsmanship. His shop represents ideal blend of traditional skills and modern tools.

Reality television has transformed how custom shops operate and market themselves. “Bitchin’ Rides” success has spawned numerous imitators, though few achieve similar longevity or production quality. Dave’s show set standards others attempt to match.

Younger generations entering the automotive hobby bring different perspectives. Dave’s ability to respect automotive heritage while embracing innovation appeals across age groups, positioning him well for continued relevance as the industry evolves.

Technical Expertise and Skills

Dave Kindig’s technical expertise spans multiple disciplines. His understanding of automotive design principles allows him to create aesthetically pleasing vehicles that also function properly. Form and function balance in his work.

Fabrication knowledge enables realistic designs. Dave understands what’s physically possible and practical, preventing designs that look good on paper but can’t be built efficiently. This practical knowledge separates dreamers from successful builders.

Paint and color theory expertise contributes to striking visual impact. Dave’s understanding of how colors interact with automotive curves and lighting conditions results in vehicles that photograph beautifully and look spectacular in person.

Business acumen complements creative talents. Dave’s ability to manage shop operations, client relationships, and television career simultaneously demonstrates well-rounded capabilities beyond pure automotive skills. This comprehensive expertise drives overall success.

Legacy and Long-term Impact

Dave Kindig’s legacy extends beyond individual vehicle builds. He’s establishing standards and approaches that will influence custom car building for decades. Future builders will reference his work when developing their own styles.

“Bitchin’ Rides” provides permanent record of his processes and philosophy. These episodes serve as educational resources for aspiring builders worldwide. The show’s preservation ensures Dave’s techniques and approaches remain accessible.

Kindig-It Design may continue beyond Dave’s active involvement through trained staff who learned his methods. Building a sustainable business that outlasts its founder represents ultimate entrepreneurial success.

Inspiring others to pursue automotive passions may be Dave’s greatest impact. Viewers who start building projects or pursue automotive careers after watching “Bitchin’ Rides” extend his influence far beyond vehicles he personally creates.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Dave Kindig net worth of approximately $3.5-4 million represents more than financial success—it reflects decades of dedication to automotive excellence and business building.

From founding Kindig-It Design in 1999 to becoming a household name through “Bitchin’ Rides,” Dave’s journey showcases how passion combined with talent creates sustainable success.

His influence extends beyond individual builds to shaping industry trends and inspiring future generations of custom car builders.

His balanced approach to life, maintaining strong family relationships while building a business empire, provides a model for aspiring entrepreneurs. Charity’s partnership and their children’s involvement demonstrate that professional success need not come at personal life expense.

Dave’s technical expertise, artistic vision, and business acumen combine to create a comprehensive success story.

Looking forward, Dave Kindig’s legacy appears secure. Whether through continued television presence, potential CF1 production, or simply the ongoing operation of Kindig-It Design, his impact on the custom car industry will endure.

His story proves that authentic passion, uncompromising quality standards, and strategic business decisions can transform dreams into reality while building substantial wealth and leaving a lasting mark on your chosen field.