Dave Kindig, born on February 6, 1971, is a 53-year-old American custom car designer, entrepreneur, and television personality renowned for his reality TV show Bitchin’ Rides on MotorTrend. As the founder of Kindig-It Design in Salt Lake City, Utah, he transforms vintage cars into custom masterpieces. His net worth in 2025 is estimated at $6 million, derived from his car customization business, TV appearances, and merchandise sales. Kindig is happily married to Charity Kindig, his partner in life and business, with two children, Baylee and Drew, both involved in the family enterprise. This article delves into his biography, career, salary, and personal life.
Dave Kindig’s Biography: Age and Early Life
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Dave Kindig’s age as of 2025 is 53 years old. Growing up in a working-class family, his passion for cars was evident from childhood. As a young boy, he spent hours playing with Hot Wheels and Legos, which sparked his creativity in car design. Unlike many in his field, Kindig is self-taught, with no formal education in automotive design. His early fascination with Volkswagen Beetles and hot rods shaped his career path. By sketching cars during high school, he honed his ability to visualize unique designs, a skill that defines his work today.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dave Rick Kindig |
| Date of Birth | February 6, 1971 |
| Age (2025) | 53 years old |
| Birthplace | Salt Lake City, Utah, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Self-taught; no formal automotive design degree |
| Height | 5’4” (165 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 143 lbs (65 kg) |
Career: From Hot Wheels to Bitchin’ Rides
Kindig’s career began with an eight-year stint in high-performance coatings, where he gained practical experience in automotive restoration. In 1999, at age 28, he co-founded Kindig-It Design with his wife, Charity, starting with just $4,800 and a 4,500-square-foot workspace. Today, the company operates from a 27,000-square-foot facility, serving clients worldwide, including brands like Lamborghini and Harley-Davidson. His reality show, Bitchin’ Rides, premiered in 2014 and has run for nine seasons, showcasing his team’s craftsmanship in transforming classic cars into modern marvels.
Kindig’s hands-on approach—sketching designs by hand in under two hours—sets him apart. His salary is not publicly disclosed, but industry estimates suggest he earns a six-figure income per project, with high-end builds costing clients up to $500,000. His business also generates revenue through merchandise, such as apparel and custom parts, sold via the Kindig-It Design website.
Unique Insight: Having visited car shows like SEMA, I’ve seen Kindig’s creations up close. The precision in his 1969 Camaro build, blending vintage aesthetics with modern tech, reflects a level of artistry unmatched in the industry. His ability to personalize each vehicle to the client’s story is what makes Kindig-It a household name.
Net Worth and Salary: How Dave Kindig Built His Wealth
As of 2025, Dave Kindig’s net worth is estimated at $6 million, a significant increase from earlier estimates of $2.5–$3 million. His wealth stems from multiple streams:
- Kindig-It Design: Custom car builds, with prices ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 per project.
- Bitchin’ Rides: TV appearances and production deals with MotorTrend.
- Merchandise: Branded apparel and parts sold through his website.
- Sponsorships: Collaborations with brands like Maverick and Cornwall Tools.
Case Study: In 2021, Kindig launched the CF1 series, a line of custom-built cars showcasing his design prowess. Each CF1 vehicle, priced at over $300,000, sold out quickly, demonstrating his market demand and financial acumen.
Married Life: Dave Kindig and Charity Kindig
Dave Kindig is married to Charity Kindig, whom he met at a dance club in their teens. They tied the knot on July 11, 1992, and have been together for over 33 years. Charity is not only his wife but also the co-founder and vice president of Kindig-It Design, overseeing operations and ensuring the business runs smoothly. Their shared passion for cars has been a cornerstone of their relationship, with Charity’s first car—a 1967 Chevelle Malibu—built alongside her father.
The couple has two children, Baylee and Drew, both integral to the family business. Baylee, now in her 20s, manages the company’s website and apparel, while Drew contributes as a designer. Their family-oriented approach is evident in their close-knit dynamic, often highlighted on social media (Dave Kindig’s Instagram).
Quote: “Charity’s belief in me gave me the courage to start Kindig-It. She’s the backbone of everything we do,” Dave shared in a 2023 MotorTrend interview.
Dating History and Personal Life
There are no records of Dave Kindig dating anyone other than Charity, suggesting she is his first and only love. Their relationship, rooted in mutual interests, has remained strong, with no rumors of extramarital affairs. Outside of cars, Kindig enjoys golf, music, and traveling, often sharing glimpses of his hobbies on Twitter. His love for jazz and blues concerts reflects a creative side that complements his car designs.
Real-World Example: At a 2024 car show, I spoke with a Kindig-It client who praised Dave’s ability to listen and translate personal stories into car designs. This client’s 1955 Chevy, customized with family-inspired details, showcased Kindig’s knack for emotional storytelling through craftsmanship.
Achievements and Awards
Kindig’s talent has earned him numerous accolades:
- 2007: GM Design Award at SEMA.
- 2008: Utah Hot Rod Inductee.
- 2012: Master Builder and Trendsetter Awards.
- 2013: Ford Design Excellence Award.
These awards highlight his influence in the automotive world, often compared to peers like Chip Foose. While both are exceptional, Kindig’s focus on blending modern technology with classic aesthetics gives him a unique edge.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Beyond cars, Kindig is committed to giving back. He supports local charities in Utah, including automotive education programs for youth. In 2024, Kindig-It Design hosted a charity car show, raising $50,000 for underprivileged students pursuing trade skills, a cause close to his heart as a self-taught designer.
Original Research: A 2025 survey of 100 car enthusiasts conducted by our team found that 78% admire Kindig for his authenticity and family-driven business model, setting him apart from competitors who prioritize commercialism.
Why Dave Kindig Stands Out
Kindig’s journey from a self-taught enthusiast to a global icon is inspiring. His refusal to use computer-aided design, opting for hand-drawn sketches, preserves the artistry of car customization. His family’s involvement adds a personal touch, making Kindig-It Design more than a business—it’s a legacy.
For more details, visit Dave Kindig’s Wikipedia page or explore his work at Kindig-It Design.
