Dave Kindig is one of the most respected names in the custom automotive world. Best known as the star of Bitchin’ Rides, he has transformed his passion for classic car restoration into a thriving multi-million-dollar business.
As the founder of Kindig-It Design, Kindig has built a reputation for creating high-end, fully customized vehicles that often cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
With decades of experience, television success, and a premium client base, many fans are curious about Dave Kindig’s net worth in 2026 and how he makes his money.
From custom builds and TV earnings to merchandise and brand partnerships, his income streams are diverse and strategic.
In this detailed breakdown, we’ll explore Dave Kindig’s net worth, salary, business revenue, assets, and the key factors behind his impressive financial success.
Dave Kindig Net Worth (2026 Overview)
As of 2026, Dave Kindig’s estimated net worth is between $3 million and $5 million. This figure is based on his long-running television success, high-end custom car projects, merchandise sales, and the continued growth of Kindig-It Design.
Unlike many reality TV personalities who rely only on screen income, Kindig’s wealth primarily comes from his custom automotive business. His appearance on Bitchin’ Rides significantly increased brand exposure, allowing his shop to attract premium clients willing to pay $200,000 to $500,000 (or more) per build.
Over the years, his business has expanded in size, staff, and reputation, contributing steadily to his financial growth.
💰 Quick Net Worth Summary Table
| Category | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth (2026) | $3 – $5 Million |
| Primary Income Source | Custom Car Builds |
| Company | Kindig-It Design |
| TV Show | Bitchin’ Rides |
| Years Active | 1990s – Present |
| Business Location | Salt Lake City, Utah |
Early Life & Background
Dave Kindig was born on February 6, 1971, in Salt Lake City, Utah. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in art, design, and automobiles. Unlike many entrepreneurs who follow traditional career paths, Kindig did not attend formal automotive design school. Instead, he developed his skills through hands-on experience, creativity, and a deep passion for classic cars.
Growing up in Utah, he was inspired by custom car culture and hot rod shows. He spent years studying vehicle design, paintwork, and fabrication techniques, gradually building a reputation for his unique style and attention to detail.
Before launching his own business, Kindig worked various jobs within the automotive and graphic design industries. These early experiences helped him understand branding, customer expectations, and craftsmanship all of which later became key pillars of his financial success and growing net worth.
Early Life & Background
Dave Kindig was born on February 6, 1971, in Salt Lake City, Utah. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in art, design, and automobiles. Unlike many entrepreneurs who follow traditional career paths, Kindig did not attend formal automotive design school. Instead, he developed his skills through hands-on experience, creativity, and a deep passion for classic cars.
Growing up in Utah, he was inspired by custom car culture and hot rod shows. He spent years studying vehicle design, paintwork, and fabrication techniques, gradually building a reputation for his unique style and attention to detail.
Before launching his own business, Kindig worked various jobs within the automotive and graphic design industries. These early experiences helped him understand branding, customer expectations, and craftsmanship all of which later became key pillars of his financial success and growing net worth.
Career Beginnings in the Automotive Industry
After years of sharpening his design and fabrication skills, Dave Kindig officially stepped into entrepreneurship in 1999 by founding Kindig-It Design in Salt Lake City, Utah. What started as a small custom shop quickly gained attention for its high-quality craftsmanship and bold, innovative designs.
In the early years, Kindig focused on classic car restorations, custom paintwork, and one-of-a-kind modifications. His ability to blend modern engineering with vintage styling helped him stand out in the competitive custom car industry. Word-of-mouth referrals and strong customer satisfaction allowed the business to grow steadily.
Unlike mass-production auto shops, Kindig-It Design positioned itself as a premium brand, targeting high-end clients willing to invest heavily in bespoke vehicle builds. This strategic positioning laid the financial foundation that would later contribute significantly to Dave Kindig’s growing net worth and long-term business success.
Kindig-It Design: Revenue Breakdown
The primary driver behind Dave Kindig’s net worth is his company, Kindig-It Design. Unlike a typical auto repair shop, Kindig-It operates as a high-end custom automotive studio specializing in full restorations, custom fabrication, body modifications, paintwork, and bespoke vehicle builds.
💰 Custom Car Build Pricing
Most full builds reportedly range between $200,000 and $500,000+, depending on complexity. Some elite projects can exceed those figures due to rare parts, advanced engineering, and extended build timelines.
📈 Estimated Annual Revenue
With multiple large-scale builds completed each year, plus parts sales and branded merchandise, industry estimates suggest the shop generates several million dollars annually in revenue.
🛠 Additional Revenue Streams
- Custom parts & wheels
- Apparel and branded merchandise
- Licensing deals
- Specialized fabrication services
The company’s premium pricing model and strong reputation allow it to maintain healthy profit margins, making it the cornerstone of Dave Kindig’s overall wealth.
TV Career & Bitchin’ Rides Earnings
Dave Kindig’s national fame skyrocketed after starring in Bitchin’ Rides, which premiered in 2014 on MotorTrend TV. The show follows the team at Kindig-It Design as they transform classic cars into high-end custom masterpieces.
The series quickly became popular among car enthusiasts due to its focus on craftsmanship, detailed builds, and real client projects. Unlike many reality shows, Bitchin’ Rides highlights the actual design and fabrication process, which strengthened Kindig’s credibility in the automotive world.
💵 Estimated TV Earnings
While exact contract details are private, industry estimates suggest:
- Reality TV hosts in niche automotive shows can earn $20,000–$50,000 per episode
- Long-running seasons significantly increase total earnings
More importantly, the show dramatically boosted brand visibility. The exposure brought in higher-paying clients, increased merchandise sales, and expanded the company’s global recognition indirectly contributing millions to Dave Kindig’s overall net worth.
Major Income Sources Explained (Full Breakdown)
Dave Kindig’s net worth is built on multiple income streams not just television. Below is a clear breakdown of how he generates consistent revenue.
🔹 1. Custom Car Builds
Through Kindig-It Design, Kindig earns the majority of his income. Full custom builds often range from $200,000 to $500,000+, with some elite restorations exceeding that. These large-ticket projects form the foundation of his wealth.
🔹 2. TV Show Salary
His long-running role on Bitchin’ Rides provides direct episode earnings. While exact numbers are private, industry estimates suggest tens of thousands per episode.
🔹 3. Merchandise & Apparel
Branded clothing, accessories, and automotive merchandise generate additional steady revenue.
🔹 4. Custom Parts & Licensing
Kindig-branded wheels, parts, and specialty components are sold to enthusiasts and builders worldwide.
🔹 5. Public Appearances & Events
Auto shows, SEMA events, and speaking engagements add appearance fees and boost brand authority.
Together, these diversified income sources create long-term financial stability and steady net worth growth.
Assets & Lifestyle
As a successful automotive entrepreneur, Dave Kindig enjoys a comfortable lifestyle but much of his wealth is reinvested into his business rather than flashy spending.
🚗 Car Collection
While many of the vehicles seen on Bitchin’ Rides belong to clients, Kindig is known for appreciating classic American muscle cars and custom builds. His access to rare and high-value vehicles reflects his deep roots in the custom car industry.
🏡 Real Estate
Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, he reportedly owns residential property in the area. Compared to Hollywood celebrities, his lifestyle appears more business-focused than extravagant.
🏢 Business Assets
The largest portion of his assets is tied to Kindig-It Design including equipment, fabrication tools, shop space, branding, and intellectual property.
Overall, his wealth reflects smart business reinvestment and long-term brand building rather than luxury excess.
Awards & Industry Recognition 🏆
Over the years, Dave Kindig has earned strong recognition within the custom automotive industry. His builds are known for blending classic styling with modern engineering a combination that consistently stands out at major car events.
🏅 SEMA Recognition
Kindig and his team at Kindig-It Design have received attention and awards at the prestigious SEMA Show (Specialty Equipment Market Association), one of the largest automotive trade events in the world. Recognition at SEMA significantly boosts credibility and brand value in the industry.
🚘 Industry Reputation
Beyond formal awards, Kindig has built a reputation as one of the top custom car designers in the United States. His detailed craftsmanship, unique design language, and premium builds have positioned him among elite automotive builders.
📺 Media Influence
Through Bitchin’ Rides, his work has reached a global audience, further cementing his authority and increasing the overall value of his brand.
Business Strategy & Why He’s So Successful 📈
Dave Kindig’s net worth isn’t just the result of talent it’s the outcome of smart business strategy and long-term positioning.
🎯 1. Premium Brand Positioning
From the beginning, Kindig-It Design targeted high-end clients rather than competing on price. By focusing on quality over volume, the company built a luxury reputation that justifies six-figure build costs.
🛠 2. Craftsmanship as Marketing
Each vehicle serves as a rolling advertisement. Instead of traditional marketing, Kindig lets finished builds showcase the brand’s expertise and attention to detail.
📺 3. Leveraging Media Exposure
Appearing on Bitchin’ Rides dramatically increased global visibility. The show functions as both entertainment and long-form brand promotion.
💼 4. Diversified Revenue Streams
Custom builds, branded parts, merchandise, and licensing ensure income stability.
📊 5. Reinvestment Strategy
Rather than overspending, profits are reinvested into tools, staff, and innovation fueling sustainable growth and strengthening long-term net worth.
Net Worth Growth Over the Years 📈💰
Dave Kindig’s financial growth has been steady rather than explosive. His wealth increased gradually as his business expanded and his TV exposure grew.
When Kindig-It Design first launched in 1999, revenue was modest. However, consistent quality and word-of-mouth referrals helped the company scale year after year. The real acceleration came after the launch of Bitchin’ Rides in 2014, which significantly increased brand awareness and client demand.
📊 Estimated Net Worth Timeline
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Key Growth Factor |
| 2010 | <$1 Million | Growing local reputation |
| 2015 | $1 – $2 Million | TV debut boost |
| 2020 | $2 – $3 Million | Business expansion |
| 2026 | $3 – $5 Million | Brand maturity & premium builds |
His wealth growth reflects long-term business stability rather than short-term celebrity spikes, a strong indicator of sustainable financial success.
Comparison With Other Custom Car Builders 🚗
To better understand Dave Kindig’s net worth, it helps to compare him with other well-known TV car personalities in the custom automotive space.
🔧 Chip Foose
Host of Overhaulin’, Foose is one of the most recognized names in custom car design. His brand has a longer history and larger global footprint, which places his estimated net worth higher than many competitors.
🔥 Richard Rawlings
Star of Fast N’ Loud, Rawlings focuses more on car flipping and entertainment-driven builds. His business model leans heavily on media exposure and brand licensing.
🛠 Dave Kindig’s Position
Unlike some TV-focused personalities, Kindig built his wealth primarily from high-end craftsmanship and premium builds before television fame. His strategy emphasizes quality, long project timelines, and six-figure custom restorations.
While he may not be the wealthiest TV car personality, his business model is considered one of the most sustainable in the custom automotive industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most searched questions about Dave Kindig’s net worth and business:
💰 What is Dave Kindig’s net worth in 2026?
Dave Kindig’s estimated net worth in 2026 is between $3 million and $5 million, primarily earned through custom car builds, television income, and branded automotive products.
🚗 How much does Dave Kindig charge per car?
Through Kindig-It Design, full custom builds typically range from $200,000 to $500,000+, depending on complexity and customization level.
📺 How much does Dave Kindig make per episode?
While exact figures are private, industry estimates suggest he earns $20,000–$50,000 per episode from Bitchin’ Rides.
📍 Where is Kindig-It Design located?
Kindig-It Design is based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
🛠 Is Dave Kindig self-made?
Yes. Dave Kindig built his business from the ground up in 1999, turning his passion for custom cars into a multi-million-dollar brand.
Final Wealth Analysis & Future Outlook
Dave Kindig’s financial success is built on long-term craftsmanship, smart branding, and premium market positioning.
Unlike many reality TV personalities who rely heavily on entertainment income, Dave Kindig established a strong business foundation before television fame.
The continued success of Kindig-It Design remains the core driver of his net worth. With six-figure custom builds, branded parts, and global recognition from Bitchin’ Rides, his income model is diversified and sustainable.
🔮 Future Growth Potential
- Expansion of branded automotive parts
- Increased licensing opportunities
- Continued TV exposure or spin-offs
- Rising demand for high-end restorations
As long as the premium custom car market remains strong, Dave Kindig’s net worth is expected to grow steadily.
His disciplined reinvestment strategy and reputation for quality position him for continued financial stability in the years ahead.
