What Is Dave Kindig’s Net Worth? Building Cars, a Brand, and a Legacy

When you ask what is Dave Kindig’s net worth, the answer goes beyond just a dollar figure. It’s really a story about craftsmanship, branding, media savvy, and staying true to a creative vision over time. As of 2025, Dave Kindig’s estimated net worth ranges between $2.5 million and $5 million. That wealth comes from decades of work as a custom car designer, entrepreneur, and television personality.

His Utah-based company, Kindig-It Design, has become a major player in the world of high-end automotive restoration and design, and his TV show Bitchin’ Rides has only expanded his reach. Kindig’s journey from garage tinkerer to nationally recognized builder shows how passion, precision, and a little polish can turn a niche art into a multi-million dollar business.

Who Is Dave Kindig? From Passion Projects to Prime Time

Dave Kindig has long been obsessed with cars—not just for speed or engineering, but for their design potential. Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, he started sketching cars as a child and never stopped. Unlike many in the automotive world who came through formal mechanical backgrounds, Kindig is largely self-taught. He learned by doing, tinkering, studying forms, and trusting his eye.

In 1999, he and his wife Charity launched Kindig-It Design with a modest amount of startup capital and a bold vision. Their idea was to take automotive design to another level—not just to restore cars, but to reimagine them. Over the years, the shop built a reputation for creating elegant, sleek, and technically flawless custom builds. Word spread quickly through the car world, and Kindig-It became known for delivering show-quality work that retained performance while elevating style.

That reputation eventually attracted the attention of television producers, leading to the launch of Bitchin’ Rides in 2014 on what is now MotorTrend TV. The show gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how Kindig and his talented team bring their visions to life. It wasn’t just another garage show—it was a showcase for craftsmanship, design debates, and the balancing act between client expectations and artistic expression.

Now in its 10th season, Bitchin’ Rides is one of the most-watched automotive shows on cable, and its global syndication means Kindig’s work is seen—and admired—by millions worldwide. The exposure hasn’t just made him famous; it’s made his brand a valuable business in a competitive industry.

What Is Dave Kindig’s Net Worth?

Dave Kindig’s net worth, currently estimated between $2.5 million and $5 million, is a result of several intertwined income streams. What sets him apart from others in the automotive world is how he has managed to turn a specialty craft into a fully-fledged lifestyle brand, backed by real design pedigree.

Kindig-It Design and Custom Car Builds

The foundation of Kindig’s net worth is Kindig-It Design. Based in Salt Lake City, the shop employs a large team of fabricators, painters, designers, and project managers. The team takes on everything from small refinements to full frame-off custom restorations. Each build is meticulously detailed and often takes months to complete.

Kindig-It’s services are not for everyday hobbyists. A full custom build can cost anywhere from $150,000 to over $500,000 depending on the scope and specs. Many of the vehicles they produce are featured at prestigious car shows such as SEMA, where they frequently win awards and catch the attention of high-end collectors.

Clients include professional athletes, celebrities, and serious auto enthusiasts who want one-of-a-kind vehicles that blend modern performance with timeless style. These high-value projects generate significant revenue, not only from direct payments but from the publicity and demand they create.

Television and Media Exposure

Bitchin’ Rides has done more than bring Kindig into homes—it has created a global audience for his brand. While TV salary numbers are not public, reality series hosts like Kindig can earn six-figure contracts per season, particularly when the show is a top performer for the network.

In addition to appearance fees and production contracts, Bitchin’ Rides acts as constant advertising for Kindig-It Design. The series draws clients to the shop and elevates Kindig’s credibility in both creative and business circles. The exposure also drives traffic to his merchandise store, builds loyalty among fans, and opens doors to partnerships and licensing opportunities.

MotorTrend’s syndication of the show internationally means recurring residuals and expanded brand recognition—critical elements for maintaining value in an increasingly digital entertainment landscape.

Merchandise, Licensing, and Product Lines

Dave Kindig’s influence doesn’t stop at the garage or the screen. He’s developed a line of branded merchandise that includes apparel, posters, accessories, and even car parts. Items like Kindig-It hoodies, hats, and diecast models are sold through the company’s website and at car shows, bringing in a steady stream of passive income.

In recent years, Kindig has also collaborated with parts manufacturers to release proprietary designs such as custom wheels, door handles, and body kits. These parts carry the Kindig brand and are marketed to car builders and DIY enthusiasts alike. Because these designs are exclusive and often produced in limited runs, they hold high retail value and carry strong margins.

This licensing model means that even when Kindig isn’t physically building cars, his design language is being monetized—scaling his creative work beyond the shop floor.

Public Appearances and Business Expansion

Kindig is a regular at automotive expos, speaking engagements, and fan meetups. Whether he’s unveiling a new build at SEMA or participating in design panels, he is consistently present in the spaces where design, innovation, and automotive culture intersect.

Public appearances often come with speaker fees or brand sponsorships, further adding to his income. But perhaps more importantly, they position Kindig as an ambassador for American custom car culture—a role that continues to enhance his brand’s prestige and value.

Kindig-It Design has also expanded its facilities and staff over the years, moving into larger shop spaces and taking on more ambitious projects. The scale of the business now includes not only custom cars and merchandise, but also consulting services, digital content production, and potentially future franchise opportunities.