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

Dave Kindig age has become a popular search query as fans of the hit TV show Bitchin’ Rides continue to follow the talented custom car designer’s remarkable journey.

Born on February 6, 1971, Dave is currently 54 years old as of 2026 and shows no signs of slowing down in his passion for automotive excellence.

The Salt Lake City native has transformed his childhood fascination with Hot Wheels and Lego cars into a multi-million dollar empire through Kindig-It Design, his world-renowned custom car fabrication shop.

With over two decades of experience creating jaw-dropping automotive masterpieces, Dave has become a household name in the car enthusiast community and beyond.

Quick Facts About Dave Kindig

Category	Details
Full Name	David Rick Kindig
Date of Birth	February 6, 1971
Age	54 years old (as of 2026)
Birthplace	Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Zodiac Sign	Aquarius
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Caucasian
Height	6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m)
Profession	Custom Car Designer, TV Personality, Entrepreneur
Famous For	Bitchin’ Rides TV Show, Kindig-It Design
Marital Status	Married to Charity Kindig (since July 11, 1992)
Children	2 (Baylee Kindig and Drew Kindig)
Net Worth (2026)	Estimated $12-16 million
Company	Kindig-It Design (Founded 1999)

Early Life and Childhood

Dave Kindig was born on February 6, 1971, in Salt Lake City, Utah, into a working-class family. Growing up in the Rose Park neighborhood, Dave’s creative abilities became evident at an extremely early age. His upbringing was modest, but it was rich with imagination and determination.

From the moment he could hold toys, Dave showed an unusual fascination with vehicles. Hot Wheels cars weren’t just playthings for young Dave—they were the foundation of his future career. He would spend countless hours arranging them, studying their designs, and imagining improvements.

His passion extended to Lego sets, where he would dismantle the instructions and create his own custom car models. Dave often borrowed wheels and axles from other toys to make his Lego creations more realistic. These childhood experiments were his first steps into the world of custom car design.

By age seven, Dave was already sketching car designs in notebooks. His drawings showed remarkable detail for someone so young, featuring modifications and custom elements that would later become his signature style. Teachers noticed his talent but couldn’t have predicted it would lead to international fame.

Dave’s grandfather played a crucial role in developing his metalwork skills. Spending time in his grandfather’s workspace, young Dave learned basic fabrication techniques that would prove invaluable later. These early lessons in working with his hands gave him confidence in his abilities.

At 17 years old, Dave began customizing real vehicles. His first project was a Volkswagen Beetle, which he adorned with unique graphics and modifications. Friends and local car enthusiasts took notice, and word spread about the talented teenager transforming vehicles in his spare time.

Despite growing up with limited financial resources, Dave’s imagination knew no bounds. He later reflected: “Growing up very poor, it was easy for me to imagine having more than I had because I had nothing!” This perspective fueled his ambition to create something extraordinary.

Education and Early Career Development

Dave Kindig attended Windward High School in Salt Lake City, where his artistic talents continued to flourish. In shop classes, he gained hands-on experience with welding, metalwork, and automotive mechanics. These practical skills complemented his natural design abilities perfectly.

Rather than pursuing formal art or design education at a traditional university, Dave chose a different path. He understood that real-world experience in the automotive industry would be more valuable than classroom theory for his specific goals.

After high school, Dave took a position at High-Performance Coatings in Salt Lake City. This job became his unofficial education in automotive restoration and customization. For eight years, he immersed himself in learning everything about high-performance coatings and paint applications.

Working at High-Performance Coatings exposed Dave to professional car builders and designers from across America. He traveled extensively for work, visiting different shops and absorbing techniques from various experts. These connections and experiences shaped his understanding of the custom car industry.

During this period, Dave continued working on personal projects in his garage. He took on cars for family members and friends, building his portfolio and refining his unique style. Each project taught him something new about design, fabrication, and customer satisfaction.

By his late twenties, Dave had developed a comprehensive skill set. He combined artistic vision with technical expertise in bodywork, paint, fabrication, and restoration. More importantly, he had cultivated relationships throughout the automotive community that would support his future business.

At age 28, Dave felt ready to pursue his lifelong dream. With encouragement from his wife Charity, he made the bold decision to leave his stable job and launch his own custom car design company.

Founding Kindig-It Design

In June 1999, Dave Kindig took the biggest gamble of his life. At 28 years old, he quit his job at High-Performance Coatings, cashed out his entire 401(k) retirement account worth $4,800, and founded Kindig-It Design with his wife Charity.

The couple started the business in their family garage, with more passion than capital. Charity, who had worked her way up from parts runner to manager at a local automotive shop, brought business acumen and unwavering support to the venture.

Their timing was significant—they launched just six weeks after their second child, Drew, was born. This decision required tremendous faith in Dave’s abilities and their partnership. Charity later admitted, “I was absolutely terrified to take this leap of faith with him.”

The initial business plan was straightforward: create custom vehicles that reflected Dave’s unique vision of blending classic aesthetics with modern functionality. Each car would be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece tailored to the client’s dreams and Dave’s artistic interpretation.

Within just two months of operation, demand exceeded their garage’s capacity. Dave told Charity he needed to move to a commercial building and hire a secretary. Charity refused to let him hire someone else, instead stepping into that role herself.

They rented a 4,500-square-foot workspace near 40th South and State Street in Salt Lake City. The modest facility became the birthplace of some of the most stunning custom vehicles the automotive world had seen. Dave’s reputation for perfection and innovation spread quickly.

From the beginning, Kindig-It Design operated on principles of excellence and authenticity. Dave refused to cut corners or compromise his vision for profit. This uncompromising approach sometimes meant longer build times, but it guaranteed exceptional results that justified premium pricing.

The company’s early years required incredible dedication. Dave, Charity, and their small team worked long hours, often late into the night. Financial pressures were constant, but the Kindigs believed their quality would eventually attract the right clientele willing to pay for perfection.

Growth and Expansion of the Business

Over the following years, Kindig-It Design’s reputation grew exponentially. Word-of-mouth referrals brought increasingly high-profile clients seeking Dave’s distinctive style. Each completed project served as rolling advertising for the shop’s capabilities.

By the mid-2000s, the company had outgrown its original space multiple times. The team expanded to include skilled fabricators, painters, upholsterers, and technicians who shared Dave’s commitment to excellence. Each team member brought specialized expertise to the builds.

In 2007, Dave received significant recognition when he won the prestigious GM Design Award. This honor validated his approach and brought national attention to Kindig-It Design. The automotive industry was taking notice of the innovative designer from Salt Lake City.

As of 2026, Kindig-It Design operates from a state-of-the-art 27,000-square-foot facility, with an additional 10,000-square-foot warehouse for storage and logistics. The shop employs over 40 skilled professionals who work on 16 to 20 vehicles simultaneously at various stages of completion.

The company has tackled virtually every type of vehicle imaginable—from classic hot rods and muscle cars to modern supercars and everything in between. Notable projects include the custom CF1 Corvette, a 1933 Ford Tudor, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette, Audi R8 Spyder, and the iconic GM Futurliner #3 restoration.

Kindig-It Design’s builds typically start at $250,000, with many projects approaching or exceeding $1 million depending on complexity and customization level. The shop’s CF1 Corvette models, Dave’s signature creation inspired by the 1953 Corvette, sell for $500,000 to $770,000 each.

The company has also diversified into product sales. Dave designed the “Smart Smooth” door handles, which became so popular they’re now sold separately through the company website and automotive retailers nationwide. This product line adds significant revenue beyond custom builds.

Television Career: Bitchin’ Rides

Dave Kindig’s talent and the incredible builds coming out of his shop eventually caught the attention of television producers. In 2014, his life changed dramatically when Velocity TV (later rebranded as Motor Trend) launched Bitchin’ Rides.

The show premiered on September 2, 2014, and became an instant hit. Each episode followed Dave and his team through the complete process of customizing a vehicle—from initial client meeting and design sketches to fabrication, paint, and the dramatic final reveal.

Bitchin’ Rides stood out from other automotive shows by showcasing the artistry and technical complexity of true custom car building. Viewers appreciated seeing the actual work process rather than just flashy reveals. The show highlighted the skill, creativity, and problem-solving required for each build.

Dave’s calm, humble personality contrasted with the bombastic hosts of many reality shows. He let the work speak for itself, occasionally offering insights into design philosophy or technical challenges. His authenticity resonated with audiences worldwide.

The show became Velocity’s most popular series and ran for an impressive 11 seasons. Beyond Bitchin’ Rides, the franchise expanded to include Beyond Bitchin’ Rides (2015) and Bitchin’ Boot Camp, giving viewers even more access to Dave’s world.

Season 11, which premiered on March 12, 2025, marked the final season of Bitchin’ Rides. The show’s conclusion came as Warner Bros. Discovery merged streaming platforms, consolidating MotorTrend+ content into Discovery+ and Max. Over its run, the series produced over 100 episodes spanning more than a decade.

Television work significantly increased Dave’s income and fame. Reports suggest he earned approximately $50,000 per episode, contributing an estimated $300,000 to $600,000 annually to his overall earnings during the show’s peak years.

Dave Kindig Age and Current Status

As of January 2026, Dave Kindig is 54 years old. Born on February 6, 1971, he celebrated his most recent birthday just weeks ago. Despite entering his mid-fifties, Dave maintains the energy and passion of someone half his age.

Dave’s Aquarius zodiac sign is often associated with innovation, independence, and humanitarian instincts—traits that align perfectly with his career path and personality. Aquarians are known for thinking outside the box, which describes Dave’s approach to car design perfectly.

At 54, Dave shows no signs of slowing down. While Bitchin’ Rides has concluded, Kindig-It Design continues operating at full capacity with a waiting list of clients. Dave remains actively involved in every build, providing design direction and quality oversight.

Physically, Dave stands 6 feet tall with an athletic build maintained through his active lifestyle. His work requires physical stamina—standing for long hours, examining builds from every angle, and occasionally getting hands-on with fabrication tasks.

The past 27 years since founding Kindig-It Design have treated Dave well. He’s achieved his childhood dreams while building a family business that includes his wife and both children. His age brings wisdom and refined taste while his youthful enthusiasm keeps him innovative.

Marriage to Charity Kindig

Dave Kindig’s personal life has been blessed with an extraordinary partnership. He married his high school sweetheart, Charity Kindig, on July 11, 1992. As of 2026, they’ve been married for 33 years—a remarkable achievement, especially in the entertainment industry.

Dave and Charity first met at a dance club while Charity was still attending Alta High School. The connection was immediate and deep. After dating through Charity’s final high school years, they married when she was 20 years old, two years after her 1990 graduation.

Charity was born on March 2, 1972, making her one year younger than Dave. Like her husband, she grew up with a passion for automobiles. Her father was a hot rodder and car club member, while her mother loved classic cars, particularly her 1955 Bel Air.

Charity’s first car was a 1967 Chevelle Malibu that she and her father built together. She had the coolest car in the high school parking lot and enjoyed cruising State Street with friends. When she and Dave prepared to marry, she traded the Chevelle for something more fuel-efficient.

Beyond their romantic partnership, Charity is Dave’s true business partner. She co-founded Kindig-It Design and serves as Vice President, overseeing virtually every aspect of the company’s operations. She’s been described as “the glue holding everything together.”

Charity’s role extends from financial management and human resources to client relations and strategic planning. While Dave focuses on design and creative direction, Charity ensures the business runs smoothly behind the scenes. Her organizational skills and business acumen have been crucial to their success.

The Kindigs maintain a strong, supportive relationship despite the pressures of running a high-profile business. Dave frequently posts heartfelt anniversary messages on social media, describing Charity as “the most special person” he’s ever met and crediting her with filling his life with love and happiness.

Their partnership demonstrates that successful marriages can thrive in demanding business environments when both partners share vision, values, and mutual respect. Charity pushed Dave to pursue his dream while Dave credits her support as essential to everything he’s accomplished.

Children and Family Life

Dave and Charity Kindig have two children who’ve both become integral parts of the family business. Their daughter Baylee Kindig was born on April 12, 1996, making her 29 years old as of 2026. Their son Drew Kindig was born on May 14, 1999, and is currently 26 years old.

Baylee grew up literally around the shop, watching her parents build the business from the ground up. At 16, she started working at Kindig-It Design as a parts runner, the entry-level position where many team members begin. She quickly moved to front office receptionist.

Now Baylee manages the company’s marketing, website, social media, and apparel divisions. Despite having no formal training when she started, she taught herself graphic design, photography, and various Microsoft and Adobe programs. She created a position “nobody knew we needed but now cannot live without.”

Baylee has inherited her parents’ automotive passion, particularly for Volkswagens. She owns a 1967 Beetle project car that she’s customizing. Her dream is to eventually run her own successful business, applying lessons learned from watching her parents build Kindig-It Design.

In 2018, Baylee married Kaden, a professional barber. Dave and Charity expressed immense pride in welcoming Kaden into the family. The wedding brought the close-knit Kindig family even closer together as they celebrated this milestone.

Drew Kindig, the younger child, is known in the shop as the “Door Handle Ninja.” He grew up around Kindig-It Design and it seemed inevitable he’d eventually join the team. Drew has always shown passion for metal fabrication from a young age.

Before joining the family business, Drew worked at Boeing helping build tail wings for the 787-10 aircraft. This experience gave him advanced fabrication skills and exposure to aerospace-level precision standards. When the opportunity arose to work with his family, he jumped at it.

At Kindig-It Design, Drew specializes in crafting the shop’s iconic custom door handles—a crucial component that can make or break a build’s aesthetic. His attention to detail and technical skill have made him invaluable to the team.

On May 22, 2022, Drew married Kara Cuillard. The couple enjoys spending time together on adventures when Drew isn’t fabricating handles at the shop. Drew’s marriage means both Kindig children have found their life partners.

The Kindig family embodies the American dream of building something together. Dave and Charity successfully passed their passion and work ethic to the next generation. The family works together daily, combining their strengths to continue the company’s legacy.

Dave Kindig Net Worth 2026

Dave Kindig’s financial success reflects his decades of dedication to custom car excellence. As of 2026, his combined household net worth with wife Charity is estimated between $12 million and $16 million, with conservative estimates around $10 million and high-end estimates reaching $16 million.

This substantial wealth comes from multiple revenue streams accumulated over 27 years in business. The primary source is Kindig-It Design itself, which likely generates $8 million to $12 million in annual revenue with a staff of over 40 employees.

Custom car shops of Kindig-It Design’s caliber typically operate at 20-30% net profit margins. This suggests the company generates approximately $1.6 million to $3.6 million in annual profit that contributes to the Kindigs’ wealth accumulation.

Individual builds contribute significantly to these numbers. Projects starting at $250,000 and frequently exceeding $500,000 to $1 million mean each completed vehicle represents substantial revenue. With 16-20 builds in progress simultaneously, the revenue potential is enormous.

The signature CF1 Corvette models command prices between $500,000 and $770,000 each. These vehicles, inspired by the 1953 Corvette but completely reimagined for modern performance, have become highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

Television work provided another significant income stream during Bitchin’ Rides’ 11-season run. With approximately $50,000 earned per episode and multiple seasons, Dave likely earned $300,000 to $600,000 annually from television during the show’s peak years.

Merchandise sales through the company website add additional revenue. The popular Smart Smooth door handles that Dave designed sell nationwide. Kindig-It Design apparel, accessories, and branded products generate steady income beyond custom builds.

The company owns its 27,000-square-foot facility plus an additional 10,000-square-foot warehouse in Salt Lake City. These properties represent significant real estate assets in Dave’s overall net worth calculation.

Dave also owns valuable intellectual property, including design patents, trademarks, and the Kindig-It Design brand itself. His reputation and brand recognition have substantial value that extends beyond physical assets.

Personal assets include Dave’s collection of custom vehicles and classic cars. While he doesn’t publicly discuss the monetary value of his personal collection, these vehicles likely represent millions in appraised worth.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Dave Kindig has received numerous accolades that validate his contributions to automotive design and customization. These awards have elevated his reputation and attracted high-profile clients seeking the best in the industry.

In 2007, Dave won the prestigious GM Design Award, marking a breakthrough moment in his career. This recognition from General Motors, one of the automotive industry’s giants, brought national attention to his innovative approach.

Dave has been a regular presence at SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) shows, the world’s premier automotive specialty products trade event. His vehicles consistently draw crowds and media attention at this industry showcase held annually in Las Vegas.

Multiple Kindig-It Design builds have won “Best of Show” at various car shows and competitions across the country. These victories demonstrate the exceptional quality and innovation that define the shop’s work.

The CF1 Corvette project earned Dave significant acclaim within the automotive community. This signature creation showcased his ability to honor automotive history while pushing design boundaries. The CF1 has become one of the most recognizable custom cars in America.

In 2025, Dave’s “TwelveAir” 1953 Corvette won the prestigious Ridler Award, one of the most coveted honors in custom car building. This V-12 powered masterpiece was displayed at Corvettes at Carlisle in August 2025, attracting massive attention.

Beyond formal awards, Dave’s greatest recognition comes from his peers in the automotive industry. Respected designers, fabricators, and builders consistently praise his work for its quality, creativity, and attention to detail.

Design Philosophy and Style

Dave Kindig’s approach to custom car design has remained remarkably consistent throughout his career. His philosophy centers on respecting the original vehicle’s classic lines while incorporating modern elements that enhance both aesthetics and performance.

Unlike designers who pursue radical transformations, Dave believes in evolution rather than revolution. He studies the original designer’s intent, identifying what made the car special, then enhances those qualities. His goal is creating the best possible version of each vehicle.

Clean lines define Dave’s aesthetic. He avoids excessive ornamentation or trendy elements that might look dated in a few years. Instead, he pursues timeless elegance that will remain appealing decades later. This philosophy has kept his builds from becoming dated.

Color selection receives intense attention in every Kindig-It Design build. Dave often develops custom paint formulas that complement the vehicle’s lines and personality. He’s known for sometimes changing a client’s original color choice when he believes a different option better serves the design.

Interior design receives equal emphasis to exterior styling. Dave creates cohesive designs where upholstery, trim, dashboard, and every interior element works together harmoniously. He’s particularly known for his dramatic use of red interiors, which have become a signature element.

Modern technology integration is crucial to Dave’s philosophy. He believes classic cars should incorporate contemporary performance, safety, and convenience features. This means modern suspensions, brakes, engines, and electronics hidden within classic aesthetics.

Proportion and stance matter immensely in Dave’s designs. He carefully considers ride height, wheel size, and visual weight distribution. A car might look stunning in renderings but wrong in real life if proportions aren’t perfect.

When asked about his favorite build, Dave always answers “The next one.” This response reflects his forward-looking perspective and constant desire to push creative boundaries. He never rests on past achievements but continually seeks new challenges.

The Future Beyond Television

Although Bitchin’ Rides concluded with Season 11 in 2025, Dave Kindig’s career is far from over. At 54 years old, he has many productive years ahead and shows no intention of slowing down or retiring anytime soon.

Kindig-It Design continues operating at full capacity with a substantial waiting list of clients. The shop’s reputation ensures steady demand regardless of television exposure. Many clients have waited years for the opportunity to have Dave customize their dream vehicles.

Without the demands of television production, Dave can focus more intensely on the builds themselves. TV filming required significant time and occasionally influenced project timelines to fit broadcast schedules. Freedom from these constraints allows for even greater attention to perfection.

Dave continues making appearances at major automotive events including SEMA, Corvettes at Carlisle, Toronto Motorama, and various car shows nationwide. These events allow him to connect with fans, showcase recent builds, and stay engaged with the broader automotive community.

The Kindig-It Design team regularly posts updates on social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. These channels provide fans with behind-the-scenes content, build progress updates, and announcements about upcoming projects and events.

Dave’s partnership with AkzoNobel continues, with vehicle unveilings at SEMA 2025 featuring secret projects painted with Modern Classikk and Sikkens coatings. These industry partnerships keep Kindig-It Design at the forefront of automotive innovation.

There’s speculation about potential new media projects, though nothing has been officially announced. Dave’s popularity and expertise make him an attractive candidate for future television shows, web series, or documentary projects about automotive design and customization.

The company is exploring additional product lines beyond the successful Smart Smooth door handles. Dave’s design expertise could extend to various automotive accessories, parts, and merchandise that allow enthusiasts to incorporate his style into their own builds.

Personal Interests and Lifestyle

Beyond his automotive obsession, Dave Kindig enjoys a variety of interests that provide balance to his intense work schedule. These activities offer creative outlets and family time away from the shop’s demands.

Golf ranks among Dave’s favorite recreational activities. He appreciates the game’s precision and patience requirements, which parallel the attention to detail needed in custom car building. Golf provides both exercise and stress relief while allowing business relationship building.

Dave has always been fond of music and theatre, interests that surprisingly helped him when Bitchin’ Rides began. His comfort with performance and presentation translated well to television, where many technically skilled craftspeople struggle with camera presence.

Family time remains a priority despite Dave’s busy schedule. With both children working at the shop, the Kindigs spend significant time together professionally. However, they also prioritize personal family moments away from work, including vacations and celebrations.

Dave maintains an active social media presence on Instagram (@davekindig) where he has over 240,000 followers. He regularly shares build progress photos, behind-the-scenes content, family moments, and insights into his design process. His posts reflect genuine passion rather than corporate marketing.

Charity and Dave share interests in home decorating and creating beautiful spaces. Charity particularly enjoys decorating and crafts, bringing the same attention to detail to their home that Dave applies to vehicles. Their home reflects their shared aesthetic sensibilities.

The Kindig family is actively involved in charitable causes, particularly suicide prevention in children and mental health awareness. These causes hold personal significance for the family, and they regularly contribute time and resources to supporting related organizations.

Legacy and Impact on the Industry

Dave Kindig’s influence on custom car culture extends far beyond the vehicles he’s created. His approach to design, business, and craftsmanship has inspired countless enthusiasts and professionals in the automotive industry worldwide.

He’s demonstrated that self-taught artists can achieve the highest levels of success without formal education. Dave’s journey from playing with Hot Wheels to winning prestigious awards proves that passion, dedication, and natural talent can triumph over traditional credentials.

Kindig-It Design has raised standards for custom car shops globally. The level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and design sophistication that Dave demands has pushed the entire industry to elevate their work. Competitors now strive to match the Kindig-It standard.

Through Bitchin’ Rides, Dave brought custom car building to mainstream audiences who might never have engaged with this specialized industry. The show educated viewers about the complexity, artistry, and skill required to create truly exceptional vehicles.

Dave’s business model—combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, family involvement with professional expertise—offers a template for other custom shops. He’s proven that maintaining uncompromising quality while running a profitable business is possible.

The CF1 Corvette represents Dave’s most significant design contribution. This vehicle isn’t merely a restoration or modification but a completely reimagined interpretation of an automotive icon. It showcases what’s possible when a designer has both skill and confidence.

Mentorship has become an important part of Dave’s legacy. Through the shop, he’s trained numerous fabricators, painters, and designers who’ve gone on to their own successful careers. Kindig-It Design serves as an informal academy for the next generation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Dave Kindig’s remarkable journey from a working-class kid playing with Hot Wheels to an internationally recognized custom car designer and television personality epitomizes the American dream.

At 54 years old in 2026, Dave continues pursuing his passion with the same enthusiasm that defined his childhood. His age reflects experience and wisdom while his spirit remains youthful and innovative.

Building Kindig-It Design from a $4,800 investment into a multi-million dollar enterprise showcases extraordinary entrepreneurship and unwavering commitment to excellence.