Kevin Schiele Net Worth: The Financial Success Of The Bitchin' Rides Shop Foreman

Kevin Schiele, affectionately known as "KevDogg" to millions of automotive enthusiasts, has become a household name through his pivotal role on the hit MotorTrend series Bitchin' Rides. As the shop foreman at Kindig-it Design in Salt Lake City, Utah, Schiele is more than just a television personality; he is a master craftsman whose expertise in custom fabrication and shop management has helped propel Kindig-it Design into the upper echelons of the automotive world. Understanding Kevin Schiele's net worth requires a deep dive into the specialized niche of high-end automotive restoration and the lucrative intersection of blue-collar expertise and reality television production.

For over 25 years, Schiele has been the right-hand man to Dave Kindig, the visionary owner of Kindig-it Design. While Dave handles the conceptual sketches and high-level design language, Kevin is responsible for the grueling logistics of turning those sketches into street-legal masterpieces. His financial standing is a reflection of his dual career tracks: a high-level executive in a specialized mechanical industry and a long-standing star of a global television franchise. In a world where many reality stars fade after a single season, Schiele’s longevity has allowed him to build a stable and impressive financial portfolio.

The value Kevin brings to the table is not merely technical. As the shop foreman, he manages a team of highly skilled builders, painters, and fabricators, ensuring that multi-million dollar projects stay on schedule and meet the exacting standards of elite car collectors. This operational role carries a significant salary premium, separate from his television earnings. When you factor in brand endorsements, public appearances at major events like SEMA, and his own merchandise lines, Kevin Schiele’s net worth represents a modern blueprint for success in the specialized trades.

Estimating Kevin Schiele's Net Worth in 2024

Current financial estimates place Kevin Schiele's net worth at approximately $1.5 million to $2 million. While this may seem modest compared to Hollywood A-listers, it is exceptionally high for a professional in the automotive fabrication industry. This wealth is not built on a single windfall but is the result of decades of consistent growth within a niche market. His primary income sources include his base salary as the Shop Foreman at Kindig-it Design, his talent fees per episode of Bitchin' Rides, and his participation in the broader automotive aftermarket industry.

The automotive restoration industry, particularly at the level where Kindig-it operates, deals with projects that often exceed $500,000 to $1,000,000 per vehicle. As the foreman overseeing these assets, Schiele's professional compensation is aligned with his level of responsibility. High-end shop managers in the custom car world can earn well into the six-figure range, especially when the shop is as world-renowned as Kindig-it. Furthermore, Bitchin' Rides has aired for over ten seasons, and as a core cast member, Kevin likely earns a substantial "talent fee" per episode, which accumulates significantly over a decade of production.

Beyond his direct earnings, Schiele has effectively monetized his personal brand. The "KevDogg" moniker is a registered trademark used for various apparel and automotive accessories. This passive income stream, combined with paid appearances at car shows across the United States and internationally, provides a financial cushion that many of his peers lack. His wealth is a testament to the fact that specializing in a trade and remaining loyal to a high-growth business can lead to significant long-term financial security.

The Revenue Streams Behind the "KevDogg" Brand

Kevin Schiele’s financial success is diversified across several channels, which is the hallmark of a savvy professional in the modern media landscape. His most consistent revenue stream is his role at Kindig-it Design. Unlike many reality TV stars who are "actors" playing a role, Kevin is a full-time employee with a high-stakes job. His expertise in chassis design and suspension geometry makes him an indispensable asset to the company. In the world of custom cars, a foreman of his caliber is often compensated with a mixture of high base pay and performance-based incentives tied to the completion of major builds.

The second major pillar of his income is his television career. Bitchin' Rides (known internationally as Kindig Customs) is one of the highest-rated shows on the MotorTrend network. Long-running series typically see cast members renegotiate contracts every few seasons, leading to significant pay raises. As the "straight man" to Dave Kindig's creative whims, Kevin’s presence is vital to the show’s chemistry. Expert analysis suggests that core cast members on successful automotive reality shows can earn between $15,000 and $30,000 per episode, depending on the production budget and syndication deals.

Finally, Schiele leverages his fame through the "KevDogg" product line and public relations. Whether it is a branded hat, a signature tool, or a paid sponsorship with an automotive parts manufacturer, these deals add up. Companies in the automotive sector, such as wheel manufacturers or paint suppliers, often pay for endorsements from trusted figures like Schiele because his stamp of approval carries weight with the DIY and professional builder communities. This multi-faceted approach to income ensures that his net worth continues to trend upward even during fluctuations in the television market.

Comparison: Kevin Schiele vs. Other Automotive TV Personalities

Comparing Kevin Schiele to his peers reveals a healthy financial standing for someone who does not own the primary business. While owners like Dave Kindig or Dan Short naturally have higher net worths due to business equity and asset ownership, Schiele’s wealth is impressive for an employee-turned-star. He occupies a unique middle ground where he enjoys the benefits of fame without the full financial liabilities of owning a massive fabrication facility.

The disparity in net worth between owners and foremen is often attributed to the "equity gap." Dave Kindig owns the 27,000-square-foot facility, the brand name, and the intellectual property of the designs. However, Kevin's value is in his human capital—his ability to manage a team and execute complex engineering tasks. This comparison highlights that while being a "second-in-command" might mean a slightly lower ceiling for net worth, it offers a level of financial stability and reduced risk that business owners often envy.

Pros and Cons of the High-End Automotive Career Path

Pursuing a career path similar to Kevin Schiele’s offers a unique blend of creative fulfillment and financial reward, but it is not without its challenges. Understanding the balance between these factors is essential for anyone looking to enter the elite tier of the automotive industry.

Pros of the Career Path:

• Creative Satisfaction: Working on some of the world's most beautiful and expensive cars provides a level of job satisfaction that is rare in typical mechanical roles.
• Global Recognition: Being part of a television show allows a tradesperson to build a personal brand that can be leveraged for endorsements and side businesses.
• Networking Opportunities: Industry leaders and high-net-worth collectors often visit the shop, providing unparalleled networking opportunities within the automotive and business sectors.
• High Salary Ceiling: Specialized fabrication and management roles in premium shops pay significantly more than standard dealership mechanic positions.

Cons of the Career Path:

• High-Pressure Deadlines: The combination of client expectations and television filming schedules creates a high-stress environment where mistakes are costly and public.
• Physical Toll: Years of fabrication, welding, and manual labor can take a toll on the body, leading to long-term physical strain.
• Public Scrutiny: Being a television personality means that your work and personality are subject to the opinions of millions of viewers, which can be mentally taxing.
• Limited Work-Life Balance: During peak building seasons or filming cycles, the hours are notoriously long, often requiring 60-80 hours per week to meet SEMA or client deadlines.

How to Build a Career in Custom Automotive Fabrication

If you are inspired by Kevin Schiele’s success and wish to build a career in the custom automotive industry, it is important to understand that there is no shortcut to the top. Kevin spent decades honing his craft before the cameras ever arrived. Here is the typical process for reaching the elite level of the industry:

1. Master the Fundamentals: Begin with a solid foundation in automotive technology. This can be achieved through technical colleges or specialized trade schools. Focus on the basics of engines, transmissions, and electrical systems.
2. Specialize in Fabrication: To reach the "Kindig-it" level, you must master specialized skills such as TIG welding, metal shaping, CAD design, and chassis geometry. These are the skills that separate a mechanic from a builder.
3. Seek Mentorship: Kevin’s relationship with Dave Kindig was instrumental. Find a local custom shop and offer to start at the bottom. The "sweeping the floors" phase is where you observe how high-end projects are managed.
4. Develop Leadership Skills: To become a shop foreman, you need more than technical skill; you need to understand project management, budgeting, and team dynamics. Being able to direct others is key to higher compensation.
5. Build a Portfolio: Document your work. In the modern era, having a professional Instagram or digital portfolio showcasing your fabrication quality is essential for getting noticed by top-tier shops.
6. Stay Current with Technology: The industry is shifting toward electric restomods and 3D printing. Staying ahead of these trends will make you more valuable than those who only know traditional methods.

Notable Projects and Their Impact on Kevin's Career

Throughout his tenure at Kindig-it Design, Kevin Schiele has been involved in some of the most iconic builds in modern custom car history. One of the most famous projects is the 1929 Mercedes-Benz Gazelle, which showcased his ability to blend classic styling with modern performance. Another standout was the "Copper Caddy," a 1929 Cadillac that required an immense amount of custom metalwork and engineering. Each of these high-profile builds serves as a line item on his professional resume, justifying his high net worth.

The "CF1" Corvette project is another milestone. This project involved creating custom carbon fiber bodies for 1953 Corvettes, a massive undertaking that required Kevin to oversee complex molding and assembly processes. The success of the CF1 line represents a shift from "one-off" builds to small-batch production, a move that increases shop revenue and, by extension, the financial security of its key employees. By successfully managing these flagship projects, Kevin has cemented his reputation as a "closer"—the person who ensures the most ambitious ideas actually work on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kevin Schiele's salary per episode? While exact contract details are private, industry standards for a long-running show like Bitchin' Rides suggest that a core cast member like Kevin Schiele earns between $15,000 and $30,000 per episode.

Is Kevin Schiele still working at Kindig-it Design? Yes, Kevin Schiele remains the Shop Foreman at Kindig-it Design. His loyalty to the shop and his partnership with Dave Kindig are central themes of the show and his professional identity.

Does Kevin Schiele have his own car collection? Kevin owns several custom vehicles, including a highly modified 1969 Chevrolet Camaro. His personal collection is a reflection of his taste and his ability to build world-class cars for himself as well as clients.

What is Kevin Schiele's role on Bitchin' Rides? Kevin serves as the Shop Foreman. He is responsible for managing the crew, overseeing the technical aspects of the builds, and acting as the primary liaison between the design stage and the finished product.

How did Kevin Schiele get the nickname "KevDogg"? The nickname "KevDogg" was given to him by Dave Kindig years ago. It has since become a brand name used for merchandise and his public persona.

Join the World of Custom Fabrication

Kevin Schiele’s journey from a dedicated shop employee to a globally recognized automotive star is a powerful reminder that expertise, loyalty, and hard work pay off. Whether you are an aspiring builder or a fan of the show, there has never been a better time to engage with the custom car community. If you are looking to start your own project or simply want to support the craft, check out the latest tools and techniques used by the pros at Kindig-it. Stay driven, stay focused, and keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible on four wheels.