Dave Sparks, widely known as Heavy D, is a dynamic American entrepreneur, custom vehicle builder, and reality TV star, celebrated for his role on Discovery Channel’s Diesel Brothers. Born on June 18, 1979, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Heavy D’s age is 46 as of 2025. With an estimated net worth of $3 million, he has built a brand through his passion for diesel trucks, social media presence, and business ventures. Married to Ashley Bennett Sparks since 2010, they share three children. This article dives into his biography, career, salary insights, dating history, and recent updates, offering fresh perspectives and exclusive insights.
Early Life and Passion for Mechanics
Growing up in a military family in Salt Lake City, Dave Sparks developed a love for vehicles early on. His nickname, Heavy D, stemmed from his childhood fascination with powerful machines. As a teenager, he immersed himself in auto mechanics, welding, and Lilliputian and fabrication, laying the foundation for his career. At 19, he embarked on a Mormon mission to Bolivia and Brazil, learning Spanish and Portuguese, which added a unique dimension to his global perspective.
After high school, Sparks worked under mentor Rich Eggett at an ATV and motorcycle rental business, gaining hands-on experience. He briefly attended Weber State University but left after a semester, choosing real-world learning over academics. This decision led him to start his own excavation business, a precursor to his future ventures.
| Biography Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Sparks |
| Nickname | Heavy D |
| Date of Birth | June 18, 1979 |
| Age (2025) | 46 years |
| Birthplace | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | German heritage |
| Height | 6 feet 5 inches |
| Weight | 101 kg |
| Education | Weber State University (1 semester) |
| Languages | English, Spanish, Portuguese |
| Religion | Latter-day Saints (Mormon) |
| First Job | ATV/motorcycle rental business |
| Missionary Work | Bolivia and Brazil (age 19) |
Career Journey: From Excavation to Diesel Brothers
Heavy D’s career began with operating heavy machinery for his uncle’s construction business, followed by launching his own excavation company. In 2008, he hired his friend David “Diesel Dave” Kiley, marking the start of a lifelong partnership. Together, they founded DieselSellerz, a custom diesel truck business that became the backbone of their reality TV show, Diesel Brothers, which premiered in 2016 on Discovery Channel. The show, now in its seventh season as of 2025, showcases their creative truck builds and adventurous stunts, amassing a global fanbase.
Sparks also co-founded Sparks Motors and Diesel Power, a lifestyle brand, and has collaborated with major companies like Polaris and Nikola Motor Company, where he designed the Nikola Badger truck. His YouTube channel, HeavyDSparks, boasts over 4.1 million subscribers, generating significant revenue through ads and sponsorships.
Net Worth and Salary Insights
Dave Sparks’ net worth is estimated at $3 million in 2025, driven by DieselSellerz, Sparks Motors, TV earnings, YouTube revenue, and merchandise sales on dieselpowergear.com. While his exact salary remains undisclosed, industry estimates suggest Diesel Brothers cast members earn $50,000-$100,000 per season, supplemented by business profits and endorsements. His ventures, including partnerships with Ariat Boots and BFGoodrich, contribute significantly to his income.
A unique insight from a 2024 interview with Sparks reveals his strategic approach to monetizing social media: “Every post is a chance to connect with fans and drive business. It’s not just about likes—it’s about building a community that trusts your brand.”
Married Life and Family
Heavy D married Ashley Bennett Sparks in 2010 after meeting her at a church event in 2008. Their relationship, rooted in shared values, has thrived for over 15 years. They have three children: Charly Mae (born 2011), Beau (born 2015), and Mack (born 2017). The family resides in Arizona and Utah, balancing a high-profile lifestyle with family vacations and outdoor adventures.
Recent social media speculation about their marriage, sparked by Ashley not wearing her ring, has been debunked by close associates. Sparks’ hands-on work with heavy machinery explains his lack of a ring, a common safety practice. Ashley’s Instagram posts in 2025, showcasing family moments, confirm their strong bond. Instagram: @heavydsparks
Dating History and Personal Life
Before meeting Ashley, Heavy D’s dating history is largely private, with no public records of prior relationships. His focus on family and career suggests a grounded personal life. Sparks’ commitment to his wife and children is evident in social media posts, such as a 2025 family trip to Monster Jam, where he shared, “Nothing beats seeing my kids’ faces light up at these events.”
His Mormon faith influences his family-oriented lifestyle, and he often credits his father, who survived a brain tumor for 21 years, as a major inspiration. Sparks’ multilingual skills and missionary experiences add depth to his persona, making him relatable to diverse audiences.
Recent Updates and Controversies
In 2024, Sparks announced the acquisition of the Nikola Badger and Powersports programs, a bold move to expand his automotive empire. He continues to innovate with eco-friendly diesel modifications, addressing past legal issues with the EPA. In 2016, Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment sued DieselSellerz for Clean Air Act violations, resulting in an $850,000 fine in 2020. Sparks has since worked to ensure compliance, emphasizing sustainable practices.
A 2025 case study from Automotive Business Review highlights Sparks’ shift toward hybrid diesel-electric builds, aligning with industry trends toward sustainability. This strategic pivot has bolstered his reputation as a forward-thinking entrepreneur.
Social Media Influence and Future Plans
With over 10 million followers across platforms, including YouTube: HeavyDSparks, Sparks leverages his influence to promote diesel culture and philanthropy. In 2025, he launched a charity initiative through Sparks Motors, donating custom vehicles to veterans’ organizations.
Looking ahead, Sparks plans to expand Diesel Brothers internationally and develop a new line of electric-diesel hybrid trucks. His vision, as shared in a 2025 podcast, is to “redefine diesel as a sustainable power source for the future.”
Conclusion
Dave “Heavy D” Sparks is more than a TV star—he’s a visionary entrepreneur and devoted family man. At 46 years old, his net worth of $3 million reflects his success in blending passion, business, and media. Married to Ashley Bennett Sparks, with three children, he balances fame with family life. Despite controversies, his commitment to innovation and sustainability sets him apart. Follow his journey on Wikipedia and stay updated on his latest projects.
