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Dave Kindig Net Worth: Craftsmanship, Cars, and a Custom Empire

When people ask, “what is Dave Kindig net worth,” they’re really asking about more than just dollars. They want to understand how a self-taught custom car builder turned a passion for metal and design into a thriving business, a TV show, and a brand. In this article, we’ll dive deep into Dave Kindig’s journey, explore where his wealth comes from, and examine how his net worth has grown — breaking down his income sources, assets, business ventures, and personal story.


Who Is Dave Kindig?

Dave Kindig is a prominent figure in the world of custom cars. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, he’s best known as the founder of Kindig-It Design, a high-end custom car shop, and for his work on the MotorTrend television show “Bitchin’ Rides.” Over decades, Kindig has built a reputation for blending classic car aesthetics with modern engineering, generating a global following of car enthusiasts.

He is married to Charity Kindig (they tied the knot on July 11, 1992) abcfact.com+1, and together they run the business. Their children, Baylee and Drew Kindig, are also involved in various aspects of the company. TheCityCeleb+1


Estimating Dave Kindig Net Worth

Range of Estimates

There is no single universally agreed-upon number for Dave Kindig net worth, but various sources converge around a few different ranges:

  • According to MTM Magazine, his net worth is about $3 million to $5 million. mtmmagazine.com

  • Creative Roots estimates his net worth to be between $2.5 million and $5 million as of 2025. Creative Roots

  • PeopleAi places his net worth at roughly $3.12 million in 2025. People AI

  • On the higher end, Architecture Adrenaline suggests Dave Kindig’s net worth could be between $5 million and $10 million. Architecture Adrenaline

  • Another source, TheCelebsInfo, claims his household net worth (including his wife) could be around $12–13 million, with possible estimates as high as $16 million. The Celebs Info

  • Lifestyle Net Worth puts a single-figure net worth estimate of around $7 million. Lifestyle Net Worth

Given the variation in reported figures, a reasonable working estimate for Dave Kindig net worth might be between $3 million and $10 million, depending on how aggressive or conservative the source is.


How Dave Kindig Built His Wealth — Income Streams

To understand Dave Kindig net worth, it helps to break down how he makes his money. His earnings are not just from one source — they come from multiple, interrelated channels.

1. Kindig-It Design (Custom Car Shop)

This is the foundation of his financial success. Kindig founded Kindig-It Design in 1999 with his wife’s support. Wordle Magazine+1 Over the years, the shop has grown into a major custom-fabrication business, handling complex restorations and high-end builds.

  • Project Costs: Each custom build can be very expensive. Depending on scope, complexity, and design, a full restoration or custom build can cost $200,000 to $500,000+, according to estimates. mtmmagazine.com+2Creative Roots+2

  • Margins: Because his builds are premium, he’s able to maintain relatively high profit margins on client work.

  • Volume: Given his reputation, Kindig-It doesn’t just crank out budget restorations — they take on projects that align with his brand’s high craftsmanship standards.

2. Television — Bitchin’ Rides

Dave Kindig’s rise to more mainstream fame is significantly tied to his TV show “Bitchin’ Rides,” which premiered in 2014 on what is now the MotorTrend network. Ansca Mobile+1

  • Show Income: While specific numbers are not public, some sources estimate he could make $50,000 to $100,000 per episode. mtmmagazine.com

  • Brand Exposure: Beyond direct earnings, the show acts as powerful marketing for Kindig-It Design. Potential clients watching restorations on TV may decide to commission their own custom builds.

  • Licensing and Syndication: As the show gains traction, there may also be revenue from licensing, international syndication, or streaming.

3. Merchandise and Branding

Dave has turned his name and design aesthetic into a lifestyle brand.

  • Apparel and Accessories: Kindig-It sells branded items — shirts, hats, gear — geared toward fans and automotive enthusiasts. Creative Roots

  • Custom Car Parts & Licensing: Kindig has collaborated with manufacturers to produce custom parts (e.g., wheels, door handles) that reflect his design philosophy. Creative Roots+1

  • Limited Runs & Special Products: Because many of these branded items or parts are limited or bespoke, they can carry good margins and appeal to a niche but dedicated customer base.

4. Public Appearances, Events & Speaking Engagements

Dave Kindig is a regular at car shows, expos (like SEMA), and industry events.

  • These appearances not only build his reputation but also bring speaking fees or promotional earnings.

  • He uses these platforms to showcase his work, network with other industry players, and generate leads for his design business.

5. Real Estate & Other Assets

Some of Dave Kindig’s net worth likely lies in his physical assets:

  • Shop Property: Kindig-It Design has a large workshop space (some sources cite a 27,000-square-foot facility). Wordle Magazine

  • Car Collection: Kindig owns a personal collection of classic and custom vehicles. The Sun These cars are not just for show — they may represent a significant portion of his net worth due to their value and uniqueness.

  • Home & Investments: While specific details are less clear, like many entrepreneurs, he likely has investments tied to both his lifestyle and business.


Risks, Challenges, and Stability

While Dave Kindig net worth may be quite substantial, it’s not built on a risk-free model. Here are some key risk factors and challenges:

  • Project-based Revenue: Much of his income depends on high-ticket custom builds, which are cyclical and can be sensitive to economic downturns.

  • Television Dependence: While Bitchin’ Rides is a big asset, TV viewership and network deals can fluctuate.

  • Operational Costs: Running a large custom shop is expensive — staff, materials, overhead, and facility costs add up.

  • Liabilities & Maintenance: Maintaining a high-value car collection can be costly; also, custom shops have liability risks.

  • Brand Pressure: As his name becomes more tied to quality and luxury, any misstep (in a build or on TV) could affect his brand reputation.

Still, his diversified income (custom builds, media, merch, events) helps mitigate some of these risks.


Why Dave Kindig Net Worth Matters

Understanding Dave Kindig net worth is more than just a financial curiosity — his story illustrates:

  1. Passion Turned Business: He turned a lifelong love of cars into a multimillion-dollar business.

  2. Creative Entrepreneurship: Rather than simply restoring cars, he created unique designs and built a brand around them.

  3. Media Synergy: His TV presence amplifies his business, and his business feeds into his TV brand — a virtuous cycle.

  4. Legacy Building: Through his shop, family involvement, and design philosophy, Kindig is building more than wealth — he’s building a legacy in the custom car world.


Conclusion

So, what is Dave Kindig net worth? While the exact figure varies depending on the source, a reasonable estimate places it somewhere in the $3 million to $10 million range, with some claims on either side of that. His wealth is anchored by his core business, Kindig-It Design, but bolstered significantly by his television career, merchandise, and personal brand.

Dave Kindig’s story is a powerful example of how dedication, design, and entrepreneurial thinking can turn a niche craft into real financial success. He hasn’t just built custom cars — he’s built a business, a TV persona, a lifestyle brand, and a legacy. For him, net worth isn’t just numbers on paper; it’s a reflection of how far his vision has taken him in the world of automotive artistry.

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