What Dave Kindig’s Net Worth Says About Craft, Custom Cars, and Creativity
You might find yourself wondering about Dave Kindig’s net worth after seeing one of his jaw-dropping custom builds cruise across your screen on Bitchin’ Rides. With each episode, Kindig showcases his signature blend of sleek design, flawless execution, and unshakable attention to detail. He’s not just modifying cars—he’s reshaping what’s possible in the world of hot rod customization. Over the years, his name has become synonymous with quality and creativity, and his brand, Kindig-It Design, has grown into a thriving enterprise. So how much has this passion-driven empire translated into financially?
Who Is Dave Kindig?
Dave Kindig is the founder and creative force behind Kindig-It Design, a Salt Lake City-based automotive shop known for its custom car creations. Unlike many automotive stars who come from racing backgrounds or engineering schools, Kindig is largely self-taught. He developed a love for cars at an early age and worked in graphic design and industrial arts before launching his own company in 1999.
With a focus on unique restorations and original design elements, Kindig’s shop quickly attracted attention from serious car collectors. But it wasn’t until the launch of Bitchin’ Rides on MotorTrend TV (formerly Velocity) in 2014 that his work reached a global audience. The show follows Kindig and his team as they take on ambitious projects—from classic muscle cars to high-end European sports cars—turning them into head-turning, fully customized showpieces.
Unlike many car shows that lean heavily on drama, Bitchin’ Rides is admired for its positive tone, focus on craftsmanship, and genuine teamwork. It highlights Dave’s ability to lead a team, manage complex projects, and maintain a client-first approach, all while pushing the creative envelope. That formula has made the show one of MotorTrend’s longest-running and most successful series.
Over the years, Kindig has expanded his reach beyond the shop and the screen. He’s become a respected name in the automotive design world, winning awards at prestigious events like SEMA and forging partnerships with top manufacturers. His brand stands as a testament to what can happen when artistry, business sense, and a bit of risk-taking come together.
Dave Kindig’s Net Worth—Craftsmanship Meets Media Savvy
Estimates suggest Dave Kindig’s net worth is between $2 million and $4 million—but the full story goes far beyond numbers. Dave Kindig’s net worth is the result of multiple income streams, all connected to the brand he’s built around custom automotive design. From high-end car commissions to a successful television show, from merchandise to licensing deals, Kindig has leveraged every facet of his work to build financial success—without compromising on quality or creative control.
Kindig-It Design and Client Commissions
The core of Dave Kindig’s business is Kindig-It Design, which specializes in custom car builds for private clients. These projects can range from $150,000 to well over $500,000 depending on the scope, complexity, and features involved. Unlike some shops that focus on one-off restorations, Kindig-It is known for full builds that include original design work, bespoke parts, and show-quality finishes.
Because the shop takes on a limited number of projects per year, the emphasis is always on excellence over volume. Clients typically wait months—sometimes years—for a build slot, and many of them are high-net-worth individuals who want something no one else has. That exclusivity not only raises the value of the work, it also allows the business to operate on a premium pricing model.
Kindig-It Design also manufactures and sells its own line of aftermarket parts, such as door handles, wheel designs, and other trim pieces. These products are available to car enthusiasts and builders around the world and provide a consistent revenue stream outside of full builds. By creating proprietary parts that reflect the shop’s signature style, Kindig has turned his custom designs into scalable products.
Add to that the value of customer service and consultation—something Dave takes very seriously—and it’s easy to see why his shop commands top-tier prices. Kindig’s hands-on involvement with clients, from concept sketches to delivery, adds value that goes beyond the mechanics.
Television Revenue and Brand Growth
A significant portion of Dave Kindig’s rise in net worth can be attributed to the success of Bitchin’ Rides. The show has aired for more than ten seasons and continues to draw viewers who are passionate about design, cars, and craftsmanship. While the exact financial arrangement between Kindig and MotorTrend is private, television contracts typically include appearance fees, production involvement, and royalties from syndication or streaming.
Beyond direct income, the real value of Bitchin’ Rides is in the exposure it provides. The show has made Kindig-It Design a household name in automotive circles and has drawn international clients to the shop. It’s essentially a weekly commercial that showcases the team’s skills, builds trust with potential customers, and fuels demand for everything from full builds to branded merchandise.
Kindig also participates in automotive expos and industry events where he often gives talks, sits on panels, or judges competitions. These appearances further cement his reputation and sometimes come with speaking fees or promotional partnerships. His visibility in the industry makes him a valuable collaborator for companies looking to tap into the high-end custom car market.
Merchandising and Automotive Industry Ventures
Another important factor in Dave Kindig’s financial success is merchandising. The Kindig-It Design brand sells apparel, hats, posters, die-cast car models, and branded tools—all featuring the shop’s iconic logo and designs. These products appeal to both casual fans of the show and serious automotive enthusiasts who want to feel connected to the brand.
What makes the merchandise successful is its integration into the larger Kindig experience. Whether you’re a viewer of Bitchin’ Rides, a customer of the shop, or just a car lover, the merch helps extend the brand’s reach and create community. It’s an example of how media influence can be translated into physical product sales.
Kindig has also entered into licensing agreements with parts manufacturers and aftermarket companies, allowing them to use his name and designs in exchange for royalties or partnership deals. His line of wheels, for example, combines aesthetics with engineering and is available through select retailers. These partnerships not only generate income but also extend his influence into the broader automotive market.
The synergy between Kindig’s shop, show, and branded products is key to his success. Each element feeds the others—television brings in fans, fans buy merch, merch reinforces the brand, and the brand attracts new clients. It’s a full-circle business model that grows organically while staying true to its roots.
Featured Image Source: fuelcurve.com
