Dave Kindig is a world-renowned custom car designer and the founder of Kindig-It Design, a premier hot rod and custom car shop based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dave has become a household name among automotive enthusiasts, having had a career spanning over two decades. He is celebrated for his innovative designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and ability to transform classic cars into modern masterpieces. His journey began with a childhood passion for cars and art, which evolved into a thriving business in 1999. Kindig-It Design specializes in high-end custom builds, including restorations, restaurant models, and bespoke designs. Each project is a testament to Dave’s commitment to preserving a vehicle’s heritage while incorporating modern aesthetics and technology.
Dave gained widespread recognition as the star of “Bitchin’ Rides”, a hit TV series on MotorTrend TV that showcases the creativity and precision of his team. Known for his attention to detail and signature clean lines, Dave has won numerous awards, including accolades from the prestigious SEMA Show. Beyond his work, Dave is a devoted family man, co-running the business with his wife, Charity. Together, they’ve built an empire that inspires car lovers worldwide while leaving an indelible mark on the custom car industry.
• Personal Background
Dave Kindig was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, where his car passion emerged early. Inspired by classic hot rods and muscle cars, Dave spent much of his youth drawing custom car designs and dreaming about creating unique vehicles. Unlike many in his field, Dave didn’t attend a formal design school; instead, his sketching talent and keen eye for detail were self-taught and honed through years of practice and passion. His early exposure to car culture in Utah played a significant role in shaping his vision for what custom car design could be—a seamless blend of timeless elegance and cutting-edge innovation.
Before founding Kindig-It Design, Dave worked in the high-performance coatings industry, gaining valuable experience with materials, colors, and finishes. This background greatly influenced his ability to envision and execute the flawless paint jobs and finishes for which his designs are known. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1999 when he decided to turn his lifelong dream into reality by opening his custom car shop. Starting with a tiny team and a vision, Dave quickly gained a reputation for transforming classic cars into stunning works of art, establishing himself as a leader in the custom automotive industry.
• Career Highlights
Dave Kindig’s career took off when he founded Kindig-It Design in 1999, a small shop that grew into one of the most respected names in custom car building. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, the shop specializes in restoring and modifying classic cars into modern masterpieces. Kindig-It Design has become synonymous with high-end, one-of-a-kind creations, with projects ranging from muscle cars like Camaros and Mustangs to luxury classics and even quirky builds like Volkswagen buses. Each vehicle reflects Dave’s signature style—clean lines, innovative features, and meticulous attention to detail. His work seamlessly blends classic aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, earning clients and industry professionals accolades.
Dave’s talent and expertise caught the attention of MotorTrend TV, leading to the creation of “Bitchin’ Rides,” a hit reality series that showcases the artistry and hard work behind the scenes at Kindig-It Design. The show highlights the challenges and triumphs of custom car building, offering fans a glimpse into the creativity and precision required for each project. A spin-off, “Bitchin’ Boot Camp,” further emphasizes the skill and dedication involved in the trade. Over the years, Dave and his team have won multiple awards, including prestigious honors from the SEMA Show, solidifying his reputation as one of the top custom car builders in the world. His influence extends beyond TV, as his innovative designs and patented products, like the “Smooth Door Handle,” have set new standards in the industry.
•Design Philosophy
Dave Kindig’s design philosophy revolves around the seamless fusion of classic automotive aesthetics with modern performance and functionality. At the core of his work is a deep respect for the heritage of each vehicle he customizes. Rather than overshadowing a car’s original design, Dave seeks to enhance its natural beauty by streamlining lines, refining details, and modernizing features in a way that feels authentic to the car’s era. He aims to create vehicles that honor the past while embracing the future, resulting in timeless designs that appeal to enthusiasts and collectors alike. This philosophy is evident in his **resto-mod** builds, where he updates vintage cars with state-of-the-art engines, suspensions, and technology without compromising their classic charm.
Central to Dave’s approach is an obsession with quality and detail. From selecting the perfect shade of paint to crafting custom parts, every element of a Kindig-It Design-build is meticulously thought out. Dave’s ability to conceptualize and execute his visions has led to innovations such as the patented “Smooth Door Handle,” a feature that eliminates traditional door handles for a sleeker, more elegant look. His designs often include bespoke wheels, custom interiors, and unique trims, making each project a masterpiece. Despite the advanced technology integrated into his builds, Dave ensures the cars maintain an organic feel, with modifications that look as though they could have been factory-made.
What sets Dave apart is his commitment to functionality alongside aesthetics. While his cars are undeniably beautiful, they are also designed to be driven and enjoyed. Whether it’s a high-performance muscle car or a luxurious vintage cruiser, Dave ensures that every vehicle performs as well as it looks. This balance of form and function has cemented his reputation as a visionary in the automotive world. Through his innovative yet grounded design philosophy, Dave Kindig has not only elevated the art of custom car building but also inspired a new generation of enthusiasts to see cars as more than machines—they are works of art, personal expressions, and pieces of history reimagined for the modern age.
• Recognition and Awards
Dave Kindig’s remarkable talent and dedication to the craft of custom car building have earned him widespread recognition and numerous prestigious awards within the automotive industry. One of his most notable achievements is his consistent presence at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show, where he has showcased many of his groundbreaking designs. SEMA is one of the largest and most influential events in the custom automotive world, and Dave’s work has repeatedly captured the attention of industry leaders and car enthusiasts. Among his accolades, Kindig-It Design has won Best Custom Car Build and other top honors, underscoring Dave’s projects’ exceptional quality and creativity.
In addition to SEMA, Dave has received accolades from various other industry events and competitions. His innovative approach to design and attention to detail has led to features in top automotive publications, solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field. His patented “Smooth Door Handle” design is another standout achievement, earning praise for its ingenuity and contribution to modern custom car aesthetics. Furthermore, Kindig-It Design’s television series, “Bitchin’ Rides”, has become a global phenomenon, introducing millions to Dave’s unique vision and craftsmanship. The show’s popularity has expanded his fan base and brought mainstream attention to the art of custom car building.
Beyond awards and formal recognition, Dave is celebrated for his influence on the industry and his role in mentoring the next generation of builders. Through his work and media presence, he has elevated the perception of custom car building from a niche craft to a celebrated art form. His vehicles, often described as “rolling works of art,” have inspired countless enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. By combining innovative techniques, an eye for design, and a deep respect for automotive history, Dave Kindig has carved out a legacy as one of the most accomplished and respected figures in the custom car world. His awards and recognition are symbols of personal achievement and a testament to his contributions to the industry’s evolution.
• Personal Life
Dave Kindig’s personal life is as inspiring as his professional journey, deeply rooted in his passion for cars and his commitment to family. Dave is married to **Charity Kindig**, who plays a significant role in his success. As the co-owner of **Kindig-It Design**, Charity oversees the business operations, ensuring the company runs smoothly and efficiently. Her dedication and organizational expertise have been instrumental in transforming Kindig-It Design from a small custom shop into a global brand. Dave and Charity have built a thriving business and a family legacy that revolves around creativity, hard work, and a shared love for cars.
The couple has two children, **Baylee** and **Drew**, who have also been involved in the family business. Baylee, in particular, has worked alongside her father at Kindig-It Design, contributing to the company’s marketing and customer relations efforts. The close-knit family dynamic is often highlighted on the television series **”Bitchin’ Rides,”** where viewers get a glimpse of the strong bond that underpins the shop’s success. Despite his busy schedule, Dave prioritizes spending time with his family, whether working together at the shop or enjoying time off at home.
Outside of his professional commitments, Dave has a wide range of interests that reflect his artistic and adventurous personality. He enjoys sketching cars and other creative concepts, which has remained a passion since childhood. Additionally, he is a motorcycle enthusiast and often takes time to appreciate the craftsmanship of custom bikes. Dave’s passion for design and engineering is evident in everything he does, whether at work or play. Balancing his professional achievements with a strong family foundation, Dave Kindig exemplifies the values of dedication, creativity, and teamwork. His personal life is a testament to his belief that success is most meaningful when shared with those you love.
• Merchandise and Legacy
Dave Kindig’s influence extends beyond custom car building into merchandise and branding, which have helped solidify his legacy in the automotive world. Kindig-It Design offers an extensive range of branded merchandise, allowing fans and enthusiasts to connect with Dave’s vision. The merchandise line includes everything from apparel, such as T-shirts, hoodies, and hats, to collectible items like posters and stickers featuring iconic car designs. These products showcase the bold, clean aesthetic that defines Dave’s work, making them popular among car lovers worldwide. In addition to offering fans a way to celebrate their love for custom cars, the merchandise reinforces the Kindig-It brand as a household name in automotive culture.
Beyond physical products, Dave’s legacy is also carried forward through his patented innovations, such as the “Smooth Door Handle,” which he has used in many of his builds and is admired throughout the industry. This product represents the ingenuity and forward-thinking approach that has made Kindig-It Design synonymous with quality and creativity. Dave has made a lasting impact through his designs and the availability of these innovations, influencing enthusiasts and professionals in the custom car community. His shop and TV series have become aspirational benchmarks for others in the industry, inspiring countless builders to pursue excellence in their craft.
Dave Kindig’s enduring legacy lies in his ability to elevate custom car building into a celebrated art form. His television series, “Bitchin’ Rides,” has introduced millions of viewers to the intricacies of the craft, inspiring a new generation of car enthusiasts. Many young builders cite Dave as a significant influence, drawn to his blend of classic aesthetics and modern innovation. By staying true to his design philosophy while embracing technological advancements, Dave has ensured that his work remains relevant and impactful for years. His brand, merchandise, and innovative contributions have transformed Kindig-It Design into more than just a shop—it’s a global symbol of custom car excellence, leaving an indelible mark on automotive history.
Conclusion
Dave Kindig is a visionary whose work has redefined the art of custom car building. He has transformed classic vehicles into modern masterpieces that seamlessly blend form and function through his creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and respect for automotive history. His company, Kindig-It Design, has become a global leader in the industry, celebrated for its innovative designs, patented products, and flawless craftsmanship. Beyond his shop, Dave has brought the world of custom car building to a broader audience through his hit TV show “Bitchin’ Rides,” inspiring car enthusiasts and professionals alike. More than just a builder, Dave is a pioneer who has elevated custom car building into a celebrated art form. His legacy extends through his designs, merchandise, and mentorship of the next generation of builders, ensuring his influence will endure for years. With a foundation built on passion, innovation, and family, Dave Kindig continues to set the standard for excellence in the custom automotive world, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring others to dream big.
