Dave Kindig Net Worth: How the Custom Car King Built His Million-Dollar Empire
The Self-Made Millionaire Behind Kindig-It Design
Dave Kindig has turned his childhood love for toy cars into something most people only dream about – a multi-million dollar business empire. His estimated Dave Kindig net worth sits somewhere between $3 to $5 million as of 2024, which is pretty impressive for a guy who started with nothing but passion and determination.
You might know him from “Bitchin’ Rides,” the TV show that made custom car building cool again. But here’s the thing – Dave didn’t inherit a dime or go to some fancy design school. He literally built his fortune from scratch, one custom car at a time.
What makes his story so compelling isn’t just the money. It’s how a poor kid from Salt Lake City figured out how to turn rusty old cars into rolling works of art. His company, Kindig-It Design, proves that when you’re really good at something you love, the money tends to follow.
Early Life and Passion for Automotive Design
Dave Kindig was born on February 6, 1971, in Salt Lake City, Utah. His family didn’t have much money – in fact, he’s pretty open about growing up poor. “Growing up very poor, it was easy for me to imagine having more than I had because I had nothing!” he once said.
That might sound depressing, but it actually lit a fire under him. When you start with nothing, every small step forward feels like a victory.
Here’s what’s crazy about Dave’s background – he’s completely self-taught. No automotive design degree, no fancy art school training. He calls himself “100% self-taught,” and honestly, that makes what he’s accomplished even more impressive.
His first “design tools” were Hot Wheels cars and Lego sets. Sounds simple, right? But Dave took it seriously. “I built many big cars with my Legos and used parts such as wheels and axles from other toys to make my creations,” he remembers.
While other kids were just playing, Dave was actually learning. He figured out how shapes worked together, how colors affected the overall look, and how different parts could be combined in new ways.
Drawing became another outlet for his creativity. He started by sketching bugs (like most kids do), but gradually moved on to hot rods. By age five, he was already designing cars on paper. That’s some serious early talent right there.
The fact that he never went to design school actually became one of his biggest advantages. He wasn’t limited by what professors said was “right” or “wrong.” He could approach problems with fresh eyes and come up with solutions that traditionally trained designers might never consider.
Building the Kindig-It Design Empire
In 1999, Dave made the kind of decision that either makes you rich or breaks you completely. At 29 years old, he quit his steady job at High-Performance Coatings, cashed in his 401K, and started Kindig-It Design. “I quit my job, cashed in my 401K, and started my business, Kindig It Designs – this was about 20 years ago,” he explained.
Talk about putting everything on the line. Most people would call that crazy, but Dave saw it as his only shot at building something special.
He started the business in his family’s garage with his wife Charity. It wasn’t glamorous – just a regular garage where they began transforming beat-up cars into something amazing. But they had a vision and the skills to make it happen.
Their business model was brilliant in its simplicity. Take cars that most people would send to the junkyard and turn them into stunning custom vehicles. Dave had this ability to look at a rusted-out wreck and see the potential for something beautiful.
The demand grew faster than they expected. Within just two months, they had to move out of the garage and into a real shop in Southeast Salt Lake City. That’s when they knew they were onto something big.
What set them apart wasn’t just the quality of work – it was their systematic approach. They could work on 16 to 20 cars at the same time without compromising quality. That’s serious operational efficiency.
Each build takes 9 to 12 months from start to finish. That might seem like a long time, but when you see the final result, you understand why. They don’t just modify cars – they completely reimagine them from the ground up.
Television Fame and Bitchin’ Rides Success
Dave’s life changed dramatically in 2014 when “Bitchin’ Rides” premiered on Velocity TV (now Motor Trend). The funny thing is, the TV show wasn’t even his idea. Producers discovered his work and thought it would make great television.
They were right. The show became a hit because it offered something different from typical car shows. Instead of just focusing on speed or competition, it showed the artistic side of custom car building.
Viewers got to watch ordinary cars transform into extraordinary machines, with Dave explaining the process in a way that made sense to regular people. He became the perfect host – knowledgeable but approachable, passionate but not pretentious.
The financial impact was immediate and substantial. Industry insiders estimate Dave earns around $50,000 per episode. With multiple seasons under his belt, that adds up to serious money. The show also led to spin-offs like “Beyond Bitchin’ Rides,” creating even more income streams.
But the real value of television went beyond the paychecks. The exposure attracted high-end clients from around the world who specifically wanted the “Bitchin’ Rides” experience. It also opened doors to endorsement deals and merchandise opportunities.
Suddenly, Kindig-It Design went from being a respected local shop to an internationally recognized brand. That kind of visibility allowed them to charge premium prices and pick the most interesting projects.
Multiple Income Streams and Revenue Sources
Here’s where Dave Kindig’s business sense really shows. His impressive net worth doesn’t come from just one source – he’s built multiple income streams that work together to create serious wealth.
Custom car builds remain the biggest money maker. These aren’t cheap projects – builds typically start around $250,000 and can reach close to $1 million for complete transformations. When you’re charging that much per project, you don’t need to do hundreds of them to make good money.
The high prices reflect the quality and uniqueness of the work. Each build is essentially a one-of-a-kind piece of automotive art. Clients aren’t just buying a car – they’re buying Dave’s vision and expertise.
Television work provides steady income beyond the per-episode payments. There are royalties, residual payments, and opportunities for additional shows and specials. It’s the kind of income that keeps coming in even when you’re not actively filming.
Merchandise has become surprisingly profitable. The company sells branded accessories, including Dave’s patented Smart Smooth door handles. These products let customers add a touch of Kindig-It Design quality to their own vehicles without commissioning a full build.
Licensing deals and endorsements add another layer of income. Dave’s reputation makes him attractive to automotive companies who want to associate their products with quality and innovation. These partnerships require minimal time investment but provide solid returns.
He’s also expanded into real estate investments and public speaking. As his fame has grown, he’s become a sought-after speaker at automotive events and business conferences. People want to hear how he built his empire from nothing.
Family Business and Personal Life
One thing that makes Dave Kindig’s success story special is how he’s kept his family at the center of everything. This isn’t just about making money – it’s about building something meaningful that includes the people he loves most.
Dave met his wife Charity in a dance club back in 1992. Their partnership has been crucial to building the Kindig-It Design empire. Charity serves as Vice President of the company and brings her own skills to the business. “It is the most rewarding experience to build a business with your best friend, and the hardest thing I have ever done,” she once said.
What made their partnership work was their shared interest in cars. Charity had been into automobiles since she was a kid, so she understood Dave’s passion from the beginning. That alignment made it possible for them to work together effectively for over three decades.
Their kids, Baylee and Drew, have also joined the family business. Both work at Kindig-It Design, learning the trade while contributing their own talents. It’s a multi-generational approach that ensures the business will continue beyond Dave’s own career.
Baylee was given real responsibility early on, heading up a department while still a teenager. That shows the family’s commitment to developing the next generation of leadership. When she got married in 2018, Dave proudly shared the news on social media.
“I spend lots of time with my family,” Dave tweeted in 2018. “My wife, daughter, and son all work with me at the shop.” That integration of family and business allows him to maintain close relationships while building wealth.
The family-oriented approach extends to how they treat employees. People often comment on the positive atmosphere at Kindig-It Design and how Dave treats his team like extended family. That’s contributed to low turnover and consistently high-quality work.
Outside of work, Dave enjoys golf, music, and theater. His wealth has given him the freedom to pursue diverse interests, which probably helps keep his creativity fresh for automotive design projects.
Industry Recognition and Current Financial Status
Dave Kindig’s net worth isn’t just about the money – it’s also about the respect he’s earned within the automotive industry. His achievements have been recognized through some pretty prestigious awards.
In 2007, he received the GM Design Award, which was a big deal early in his career. That recognition helped establish his credibility and opened doors to bigger projects and higher-profile clients.
The real pinnacle came in 2024 when his ’53 Corvette custom won the Ridler Award. This is given annually to the most outstanding custom vehicle at the Detroit Autorama, and it’s considered the highest honor in custom car building. Winning the Ridler Award doesn’t just bring prestige – it also increases the value of his services and brand.
These awards validate the approach that’s driven his financial success. When your peers and industry experts recognize your work, it confirms that you’re doing something special.
Current estimates put Dave Kindig’s net worth between $3 million and $5 million as of 2024. The range exists because it’s tough to precisely value a business that combines tangible assets with intangible brand value.
The lower estimates focus on liquid assets and basic business valuation. The higher estimates account for brand value, future earning potential, and real estate holdings. Since Kindig-It Design is privately held, they don’t release detailed financial information like public companies do.
What we do know is that the business continues to grow. The custom car market remains strong, with wealthy collectors willing to pay premium prices for unique vehicles. Television success shows no signs of slowing down, and brand recognition keeps attracting new opportunities.
The business model has proven both resilient and scalable. As demand for custom builds stays high and the company’s reputation continues to grow, there’s potential for expansion into new markets or services.
Looking ahead, the family involvement suggests a long-term vision that extends well beyond Dave’s own career. That kind of continuity planning is smart business and should help preserve and grow the wealth he’s built.
Dave Kindig’s journey from a poor kid with a passion for toy cars to a multi-millionaire entrepreneur shows what’s possible when you combine talent, hard work, and smart business decisions. His net worth represents more than just financial success – it’s proof that following your passion can lead to something truly extraordinary.
