Custom car culture has produced many talented builders, but few have achieved the recognition and influence of Dave Kindig. Known worldwide as the creative force behind Kindig-It Design, Dave transformed a small Salt Lake City shop into a global automotive brand. His work, showcased on the popular TV series Bitchin’ Rides, reflects a rare blend of artistic vision, engineering skill, and relentless dedication.
Dave Kindig’s story is not one of overnight success. It is a journey shaped by passion, persistence, and a lifelong love for cars. From sketching designs as a child to building award-winning custom vehicles, his career proves that creativity backed by hard work can leave a lasting mark. This Dave Kindig biography explores his early life, career milestones, personal details, and the legacy he continues to build.
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Early Life and Background
Childhood and Family Roots
Dave Kindig was born on February 6, 1971, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Raised in the Rose Park neighborhood, he grew up in a modest and supportive household. His parents encouraged creativity, even though the family did not come from a background tied to automotive design or engineering.
From an early age, Dave showed a deep fascination with cars. Hot Wheels, model kits, and hand-drawn sketches filled his childhood. These early hobbies were more than playtime; they became the foundation of his future career. Instead of following trends, Dave spent hours imagining how vehicles could look better, sleeker, and more expressive.
Education and Self-Taught Skills
Dave attended West High School in Salt Lake City. Unlike many designers, he did not pursue formal education in automotive or industrial design. Instead, he relied on self-teaching, observation, and hands-on experience. This unconventional path helped him develop a unique style, free from rigid academic rules.
Learning through trial and error gave Dave a strong understanding of materials, proportions, and functionality. His ability to translate sketches into real-world builds later became one of his strongest professional traits.
Career Journey and Rise to Fame
Early Work and Industry Experience
Before launching his own business, Dave worked in industries related to high-performance coatings and automotive finishes. These roles allowed him to understand the technical side of car construction, including durability, paint quality, and detail work.
That experience built confidence and sharpened his skills. More importantly, it gave him insight into how professional automotive shops operate, preparing him for entrepreneurship.
Founding Kindig-It Design
In 1999, Dave Kindig and his wife Charity Kindig founded Kindig-It Design. What started as a small garage quickly evolved into a creative studio focused on custom builds, restorations, and original designs.
Dave’s approach set the shop apart. He emphasized clean lines, modern styling, and functionality without losing the soul of classic cars. Clients soon noticed the difference, and word of mouth helped the business grow steadily.
Breakthrough with Bitchin’ Rides
The defining moment in Dave Kindig’s career came in 2014 when Kindig-It Design became the focus of the MotorTrend television series Bitchin’ Rides. The show offered viewers an inside look at the creative process behind high-end custom car builds.
Audiences connected with Dave’s hands-on leadership, artistic vision, and honest approach to problem-solving. The series transformed him into a household name and brought international attention to his work.
Peak Career and Major Projects
Signature Builds and Design Philosophy
Dave Kindig is known for turning classic vehicles into modern masterpieces. His builds often combine vintage aesthetics with contemporary performance and comfort. One of his most recognized projects is the CF1 Corvette series, a complete reimagining of the classic Corvette designed entirely in-house.
Each project reflects Dave’s belief that cars should be both beautiful and functional. His designs focus on balance, proportion, and drivability rather than excess.
Awards and Industry Recognition
Dave’s work has earned widespread recognition within the automotive community. In 2024, Kindig-It Design won the prestigious Ridler Award for a meticulously restored and customized 1953 Corvette. This achievement placed Dave among the elite builders in the industry.
Beyond trophies, his reputation as a top custom car designer continues to grow, supported by features in major automotive magazines and shows.
Physical Appearance and Personal Style
As of 2025, Dave Kindig is 54 years old. He stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and maintains an estimated weight of around 75 kilograms. His appearance reflects his workshop lifestyle, often seen wearing casual clothing that fits a hands-on builder rather than a traditional TV personality.
Dave’s approachable demeanor and confident presence contribute to his popularity. Fans appreciate his authenticity, which remains consistent both on and off screen.
Personal Life and Family
Marriage and Children
Dave Kindig is married to Charity Kindig, who plays a key role in the business as co-founder and Vice President of Kindig-It Design. Their partnership extends beyond marriage, forming the backbone of the company’s success.
The couple has two children, Baylee and Drew Kindig. Baylee has become actively involved in the family business, continuing the legacy and contributing to its future growth.
Lifestyle and Interests
Outside the shop, Dave enjoys sketching, traveling, and spending time with his family. These interests help him stay creatively inspired and grounded despite his busy schedule.
Net Worth and Business Success
Dave Kindig’s estimated net worth ranges between $3 million and $5 million. This wealth comes from multiple income streams, including television appearances, custom car builds, merchandise, and brand collaborations.
Kindig-It Design itself has become a respected brand, attracting clients from around the world and maintaining a strong presence in the custom automotive market.
Media Presence and Fan Engagement
Dave maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Through these channels, he shares behind-the-scenes updates, design sketches, and completed projects.
This direct connection with fans has helped strengthen his brand and make custom car culture more accessible to a wider audience.
Interesting Facts About Dave Kindig
Dave is completely self-taught and never attended formal design school.
Kindig-It Design started with a limited budget and a small workspace.
His daughter Baylee works alongside him in the family business.
Bitchin’ Rides ranks among MotorTrend’s most popular shows.
Some custom builds take over a year to complete.
Dave has been featured multiple times in major automotive publications.
The CF1 Corvette was designed entirely within Kindig-It Design.
Legacy and Lasting Influence
Dave Kindig’s influence on the automotive world extends far beyond custom cars. He demonstrated that creativity, when combined with discipline and teamwork, can transform a personal passion into a global brand.
Through Bitchin’ Rides, he introduced millions to the art of custom car building and inspired aspiring designers to follow unconventional paths. His success also helped put Salt Lake City on the international automotive map.
The Dave Kindig bio represents more than a career story. It reflects the power of vision, persistence, and family-driven entrepreneurship. As Kindig-It Design continues to evolve, Dave’s legacy remains firmly rooted in innovation, craftsmanship, and inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is Dave Kindig?
Dave Kindig is an American custom car designer and builder, best known as the founder of Kindig-It Design and the star of the TV show Bitchin’ Rides. He is widely respected for his innovative automotive designs.
What is Dave Kindig famous for?
Dave Kindig is famous for creating high-end custom cars and restoring classic vehicles. His work gained global recognition through Bitchin’ Rides, where he showcases unique builds and original designs.
When and where was Dave Kindig born?
Dave Kindig was born on February 6, 1971, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.
Is Dave Kindig self-taught?
Yes, Dave Kindig is a self-taught designer. He did not attend formal design school and learned automotive design through hands-on experience, practice, and creativity.
What is Kindig-It Design?
Kindig-It Design is a custom automotive shop founded in 1999 by Dave Kindig and his wife, Charity Kindig. The company specializes in custom builds, restorations, and original vehicle designs.
When did Bitchin’ Rides first air?
Bitchin’ Rides premiered in 2014 and quickly became one of MotorTrend’s most popular automotive television series.
What are Dave Kindig’s most famous car builds?
Some of Dave Kindig’s most notable projects include the CF1 Corvette series and multiple award-winning classic car restorations featured on Bitchin’ Rides.
Conclusion
Dave Kindig’s journey from a passionate young car enthusiast in Salt Lake City to a world-renowned custom car designer is a story of vision, perseverance, and creativity. Through Kindig-It Design and Bitchin’ Rides, he has redefined automotive craftsmanship, turning classic cars into rolling works of art and inspiring countless fans and aspiring builders. His legacy is not only measured in award-winning vehicles but also in the culture he has shaped—one where passion, innovation, and dedication drive success. Dave Kindig proves that with talent, hard work, and a bold vision, dreams can become a lasting impact on the world.
