What Is Dave Kindig’s Net Worth and How Cars Made Him a Star?
What is Dave Kindig’s net worth, and how did he transform his love for custom cars into a successful design empire and television fame? If you’re a fan of custom hot rods, flawless craftsmanship, and MotorTrend’s hit series Bitchin’ Rides, then you already know Dave Kindig isn’t just another mechanic—he’s an artist.
Over the years, Kindig has built his business, Kindig-It Design, into one of the most respected names in the custom automotive industry. With a blend of precision, creativity, and entrepreneurial drive, he’s turned metal and horsepower into millions.
Who Is Dave Kindig?
Dave Kindig is a custom car designer, business owner, and television personality based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Unlike many in the automotive space, Kindig didn’t go to a traditional design school or follow a typical path through the industry. Instead, he taught himself by immersing in car culture, drawing designs, and mastering fabrication techniques through real-world experience. In 1999, he founded Kindig-It Design, a shop that quickly earned a reputation for building one-of-a-kind cars that are both technically advanced and visually stunning.
What really catapulted Kindig to national fame was the premiere of Bitchin’ Rides in 2014 on the Velocity channel (now MotorTrend). The show followed Kindig and his team as they tackled complex car builds, working on everything from vintage hot rods to luxury restorations. His unique ability to combine classic automotive lines with modern upgrades helped distinguish him in a saturated market, and the show’s success brought international attention to his work.
Kindig isn’t just a builder—he’s also a brand. His name has become synonymous with quality, attention to detail, and top-tier automotive customization.
Dave Kindig’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Dave Kindig’s net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $6 million. This figure reflects a combination of earnings from his successful shop, television contracts, merchandise sales, licensing deals, and brand sponsorships. Unlike many TV personalities who rely primarily on network paychecks, Kindig’s financial profile is diverse, built on both physical craftsmanship and smart branding.
The core of his wealth comes from Kindig-It Design, which charges top-dollar prices for custom builds that often cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each. Add to that his long-running TV series, a loyal fan base, and a growing line of branded products, and it’s easy to see how his net worth continues to rise.
It’s worth noting that Kindig maintains ownership and creative control over his business, which keeps profit margins high and ensures long-term financial stability.
How Dave Kindig Makes His Money
Kindig-It Design Business
The heartbeat of Dave Kindig’s net worth is Kindig-It Design, the custom fabrication and restoration shop he started in Salt Lake City. Over the years, the shop has grown into a highly respected institution known for turning classic cars into modern masterpieces. The shop specializes in high-end builds that include complete frame-off restorations, custom chassis fabrication, paint, upholstery, and engine upgrades.
With waitlists that can stretch for months or even years, the shop’s demand far outweighs its capacity, allowing Kindig to command premium pricing for his services. Clients range from wealthy car collectors to business owners looking for signature showpieces.
Kindig-It Design also hosts shop tours, participates in car shows, and engages with the community, creating additional streams of revenue and brand loyalty. The reputation for flawless work and creativity has positioned the business as a leader in the custom automotive space.
Television: Bitchin’ Rides
Another major contributor to Kindig’s income is the hit MotorTrend TV show Bitchin’ Rides. Now well into multiple seasons, the show has become a staple in car enthusiast households. Each episode features the process behind building a custom vehicle, from initial client consultations and concept sketches to final paint jobs and engine tuning.
While exact figures for his earnings from the show aren’t public, television personalities in niche markets like automotive programming can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000 per season, not including bonuses or promotional deals. For Kindig, the real value comes from what the show has done for his brand visibility and customer base.
The global exposure from Bitchin’ Rides has brought international clients to his shop, boosted merchandise sales, and opened up doors for sponsorships and licensing agreements.
Merchandise, Licensing, and Sponsorships
In addition to building cars and starring on television, Dave Kindig has monetized his brand through a line of merchandise that includes T-shirts, hats, car parts, and even tool kits. Fans of the show or his design work can purchase official Kindig-It Design gear through his website and at trade events.
He’s also entered into licensing deals with auto parts manufacturers and paint companies, offering custom lines inspired by his work. These licensing agreements can be quite lucrative, especially when tied to a respected name like Kindig’s. Collaborations with automotive brands provide consistent passive income and strengthen his standing in the industry.
Trade shows like SEMA and other industry expos offer another revenue opportunity. Kindig regularly appears as a guest or exhibitor, where he showcases his latest builds and connects with vendors and fans alike. These appearances often come with speaker fees, sponsorships, and media coverage that further boost his earning potential.
Dave Kindig’s Lifestyle and Brand Identity
Despite his fame and financial success, Dave Kindig is known for maintaining a grounded, professional lifestyle. He works closely with his wife Charity, who manages the administrative side of the business, and his children are also involved with the shop. That family-driven approach gives Kindig-It Design a loyal, close-knit feel—even as it continues to grow.
Kindig is passionate about style, and that shows in both his personal presentation and his work. He often wears sleek black outfits and branded attire, reinforcing the strong identity of the Kindig-It brand. His perfectionist nature and sharp eye for design have helped him cultivate an image that appeals to both hardcore car buffs and casual fans.
He doesn’t flaunt luxury cars or celebrity status—instead, he lets the work speak for itself. That balance of authenticity and polish is a big reason why fans continue to respect and support him.
What’s Next for Dave Kindig?
As of 2025, Dave Kindig shows no signs of slowing down. With Bitchin’ Rides continuing to thrive, the potential for spin-off series, documentaries, or even branded car builds is wide open. He could also expand his merchandise line or enter into full product development, offering tools or car accessories under the Kindig-It name.
There’s also growing potential in the digital space. A YouTube series, podcast, or online masterclass in car design could open entirely new revenue streams while sharing his expertise with fans and aspiring builders around the world.
So when you ask, “What is Dave Kindig’s net worth?” you’re really asking how far talent, discipline, and branding can take you in the world of custom cars. For Dave Kindig, the answer is clear: all the way to the top—one incredible build at a time.
Featured image source: Pinterest
