Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts! As we take this thrilling ride through the automotive world, there's one name that has consistently made our hearts race a little faster: Dave Kindig. A man whose name has become synonymous with the word 'custom,' whose creations make us stop, stare, and sometimes even drool. And now, Dave Kindig and his fantastic Kindig-it Team have pulled off an accolade that truly cements their status in the automotive stratosphere: SEMA's First ever Kustomizer of the Decade Award for 2023.
Dave Kindig isn't just a designer; he's a visionary. Every car that rolls out of his shop in Salt Lake City, Utah, is more than just a vehicle. It's a work of art. It's a statement. It's the embodiment of countless hours of labor, dedication, and a passion that burns as brightly now as it did when Dave first started in the business.
It's a monumental journey that began with a humble '21 Pencil' and bloomed into a sprawling empire of custom automotive genius. Dave's eye for detail, his insistence on perfection, and his ability to visualize and bring to life designs that others would deem impossible, have earned him a reputation that spans continents. But it's not just about Dave. Behind every great leader is an exceptional team, and Kindig-it is no exception.
Meet the Kindig-it team: a talented group of artisans, mechanics, and craftsmen, each bringing their unique expertise to the table. Whether it's Kevin "KevDogg" Schiele, Dave's right-hand man, ensuring every build maintains the Kindig standard, or Baylee Kindig, overseeing marketing and keeping the brand's image sharp and consistent, the Kindig family operates like a well-oiled machine.
But what sets Kindig and his team apart? Why do they stand head and shoulders above the crowd? It's their uncanny ability to blend the old with the new seamlessly. A Kindig car is always recognizable, not because it's flashy or over-the-top, but because it strikes that perfect balance between timeless elegance and cutting-edge innovation.
Take a stroll through SEMA, and you'll see a multitude of custom builds. But when you stumble upon a Kindig creation, you'll know. There's an aura, a certain vibe that these cars give off. They whisper tales of bygone eras while screaming modern sophistication.
It's no surprise then that when SEMA 2023 announced the 'Kustomizer of the Decade' award, many had their bets on Dave and his team. The award, a recognition of ten years of consistent excellence, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of custom automotive design, found its rightful owner in Dave Kindig.
In a ceremony filled with glitz, glamour, and the roar of engines, as the award was presented, there was a palpable emotion in the air. "This isn't just my award. It's for my team, my family, and for every car enthusiast who has believed in us," said a visibly moved Kindig.
And while the accolades and awards are indeed gratifying, for Dave and the Kindig-it team, it's always been about the love of the craft. It's about taking a car, understanding its soul, and giving it a new lease on life. It's about the countless hours spent sketching, designing, welding, and painting. It's about the thrill of seeing a client's face light up when they see their dream car come to life.
As the celebrations at SEMA continued and the engines revved a little louder, there was a sense of acknowledgment in the air. A nod to the talent, hard work, and sheer determination of a man and his team who have redefined the world of custom cars.
So, here's to Dave Kindig, the Kindig-it team, and their incredible journey. A journey that started with a dream and has now culminated in them being crowned the “Kustomizer of the Decade” It's a title well-deserved, and if the past is anything to go by, the future looks even brighter for this automotive maestro and his exceptional team.
Jon D’Agostino has decided that he will be honoring a “Crystal Award” for each year at SEMA to the best world class builds.