Kevin Schiele, widely recognized by his nickname "KevDogg," is the Shop Foreman at Kindig-it Design, a premier custom automotive shop located in Salt Lake City, Utah. As of 2026, Schiele remains a central figure on the long-running MotorTrend series Bitchin' Rides, where he manages day-to-day operations, oversees high-end fabrication, and ensures that every custom build meets the exacting standards of owner Dave Kindig.
Kevin Schiele’s career is a testament to the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern automotive engineering. For over two decades, he has been the operational backbone of Kindig-it Design, transitioning from a skilled fabricator to a strategic leader who balances the creative vision of Dave Kindig with the mechanical realities of complex automotive restorations. In 2026, his influence extends beyond the shop floor, as he is frequently cited as a benchmark for shop management and technical excellence in the global custom car industry.
The Professional Evolution of a Master Fabricator
Kevin Schiele’s journey into the world of custom cars was driven by a foundational passion for mechanical systems and metalwork. Unlike many who enter the field through design, Schiele’s expertise was forged in the "trenches" of the workshop. His early years were spent mastering the nuances of metal shaping, welding, and chassis assembly, skills that eventually made him indispensable to the Kindig-it team.
By 2026, Schiele has overseen hundreds of builds, ranging from classic 1950s cruisers to high-performance Restomods. His ability to interpret 2D sketches and translate them into 3D steel and aluminum structures is what separates Kindig-it Design from standard restoration shops. This evolution from a technician to a foreman involved not only honing his physical skills but also developing a deep understanding of project management, vendor relations, and the logistics of high-stakes television production.
Core Competencies and Technical Skills
Schiele’s technical repertoire is extensive, encompassing several critical disciplines required for world-class custom builds:
- Precision Metal Fabrication: Mastery of TIG welding and English wheel operation for bespoke body panels.
- Chassis Geometry: Expertise in integrating modern independent front suspensions (IFS) and multi-link rear setups into vintage frames.
- Shop Logistics: The ability to manage a multi-disciplinary team of painters, upholsterers, and mechanics simultaneously.
- Quality Control: Implementing rigorous testing protocols to ensure that show cars are also fully functional, high-performance vehicles.
Kevin Schiele’s Leadership at Kindig-it Design
As the Shop Foreman, Schiele’s primary responsibility is the execution of "The Kindig Way." This involves a meticulous process where every bolt, seam, and wiring harness is scrutinized. In the 2026 landscape of automotive restoration, where client expectations and material costs have reached all-time highs, Schiele’s role is more critical than ever.
He acts as the bridge between the design studio and the fabrication floor. When Dave Kindig presents a radical design—such as the famous "Kindig-it" flush-mount door handles or a completely custom fastback roofline—it is Schiele who determines the structural feasibility and the specific fabrication path required to achieve that vision. This requires a profound understanding of metallurgy and structural integrity, ensuring that aesthetic modifications do not compromise the safety or longevity of the vehicle.
Operational Strategy and Workflow Management
Project Synchronization The Foreman must ensure that the "metal bank" (the inventory of raw materials and donor parts) is always aligned with the production schedule. Schiele utilizes advanced project management software tailored for custom fabrication to track man-hours and material depletion in real-time.
Technical Mentorship A significant portion of Schiele's day is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of fabricators. By maintaining a high "talent density" within the shop, he ensures that the specialized techniques developed at Kindig-it—such as their proprietary lead-work and panel-gapping methods—are preserved and improved upon.
Technical Standards in High-End Custom Fabrication
The "Bitchin' Rides" standard is often used as a metric for excellence in the 2026 automotive market. To achieve this, Schiele enforces a set of technical standards that go beyond standard restoration practices. These metrics are what define a "Kindig-it" build in the eyes of collectors and auction houses like Barrett-Jackson.
| Technical Metric | Industry Standard | Kindig-it / Schiele Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Gap Uniformity | 3.5mm - 5.0mm | 3.0mm (Strict Tolerance) |
| Paint Depth / Clarity | 4-6 Mils (Factory) | 12-15 Mils (Multiple Clear Coats) |
| Engine Bay Concealment | Exposed wiring/plumbing | 100% "Tucked" and Smoothed |
| Chassis Integration | Bolt-on Components | Fully Integrated / Custom Boxed Frames |
| Hardware Finishing | Zinc or Chrome Plating | Bespoke Polished Stainless or CAD-plated |
These standards are not merely for aesthetics. As Schiele has often emphasized in interviews and technical seminars, a car that looks beautiful but fails mechanically is a failure of the shop. In 2026, with the rise of high-torque electric conversions (EV swaps) and 1,000+ horsepower crate engines, the structural requirements for these builds have become increasingly complex, necessitating the expert oversight that Schiele provides.
The Impact of Bitchin' Rides on the Automotive Industry
Since its debut, Bitchin' Rides has transformed how the public perceives the custom car world. Kevin Schiele’s presence on the show offers a "no-nonsense" counterpoint to the often-glamorized world of automotive design. Viewers see the sweat, the setbacks, and the technical hurdles that must be cleared to create a masterpiece.
By 2026, the show has reached an iconic status, credited with raising the bar for production quality in the reality TV genre. Schiele’s role as the "enforcer" of quality has made him a fan favorite, but more importantly, he has become a symbol of the professionalization of the trade. His advocacy for proper tools, safety equipment, and organized workspaces has influenced thousands of smaller shops and "garage builders" globally.
Managing Complex Custom Builds: A Step-by-Step Overview
Under Schiele’s direction, a typical build at Kindig-it Design follows a rigorous lifecycle. This process ensures that by the time the vehicle reaches the "Reveal" stage, it has undergone hundreds of hours of refinement.
- Disassembly and Media Blasting: The vehicle is stripped to its bare shell to identify hidden rust or structural damage.
- The "Kindig" Modification Phase: Following Dave's renderings, the team performs major body modifications (chopping tops, widening fenders, or "tucking" bumpers).
- Chassis and Drivetrain Mock-up: Schiele oversees the fitting of the engine, transmission, and suspension to ensure perfect weight distribution and clearance.
- The "Long Board" Stage: Hundreds of hours are spent block-sanding the body to ensure it is laser-straight before it enters the paint booth.
- Final Assembly and Interior: The most delicate phase, where the custom interior is installed, and the final mechanical components are connected.
- Road Testing and Calibration: Unlike many show cars, Kindig-it builds are put through real-world driving cycles to calibrate the ECU, suspension, and braking systems.
Challenges and Future Trends in 2026 Custom Fabrication
The automotive landscape in 2026 presents new challenges for Kevin Schiele and his team. The integration of advanced electronics and the shift toward sustainable fuels and electric powertrains are changing the DNA of custom cars.
One of the primary challenges is the "Electronic Integration" hurdle. Modern enthusiasts often want 1950s aesthetics combined with 2026 technology, including digital dashes, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and complex infotainment. Schiele’s role has expanded to include overseeing the integration of these digital systems into analog platforms, ensuring they function seamlessly without detracting from the vintage feel of the vehicle.
Furthermore, the scarcity of high-quality donor cars has led to an increase in "from-scratch" builds. Schiele’s expertise in sourcing or fabricating obsolete parts has become a vital asset to Kindig-it Design’s continued dominance in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kevin Schiele’s actual role at Kindig-it Design?
Kevin Schiele is the Shop Foreman, which means he is responsible for the technical execution of all projects, staff management, and quality control. While Dave Kindig handles the design and business strategy, Schiele ensures that those designs are physically possible and built to the highest mechanical standards.
How many years has Kevin Schiele worked with Dave Kindig?
As of 2026, Kevin has been an integral part of Kindig-it Design for over 20 years. He was one of the earliest employees and has grown alongside the company, helping it transition from a small local shop to an internationally recognized brand and television powerhouse.
Does Kevin Schiele build his own cars?
Yes, Kevin is a lifelong automotive enthusiast who has built several personal projects, often focusing on trucks and high-performance street machines. His personal builds typically reflect his "KevDogg" persona—functional, aggressive, and technically flawless.
What happened to Kevin Schiele in the later seasons of Bitchin' Rides?
In the seasons leading up to 2026, Kevin has taken on a more significant leadership role within the shop. While he still gets "hands-on" with critical fabrication tasks, his focus has shifted toward high-level project management and expanding the Kindig-it parts line, ensuring the brand's longevity in a changing market.
Is Bitchin' Rides still filming in 2026?
Yes, Bitchin' Rides remains a flagship program for MotorTrend in 2026. The show’s focus on high-end craftsmanship and the genuine chemistry between Dave, Kevin, and the rest of the crew has allowed it to maintain strong ratings and a dedicated global fanbase.
Conclusion: The Legacy of KevDogg
Kevin Schiele’s impact on the automotive world is defined by his commitment to excellence and his ability to evolve with the industry. In 2026, he stands as a beacon for aspiring fabricators and shop owners alike. His work at Kindig-it Design has not only produced some of the most beautiful cars in history but has also set a professional standard for the entire restoration industry. Whether he is troubleshooting a complex suspension issue or managing a team under the pressure of a television deadline, Schiele remains the quintessential expert in the art of the "Bitchin' Ride."
If you are looking to elevate your own automotive projects or understand the mechanics of world-class fabrication, studying the methods and leadership style of Kevin Schiele is the gold standard. His career serves as a roadmap for turning a technical passion into a global legacy of craftsmanship.
