Brothers Mike and Jeff Idell were named recipients of the Robert C. Austin Award for Distinguished Service to the Community. The award was presented at Monday’s Farm-City Banquet, sponsored by the Agribusiness Committee of the Greene County Partnership.
Named in memory of the late Robert C. Austin, a prominent Greeneville businessman and industrial leader, the award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and a longstanding commitment to serving Greene County and its residents.
In presenting the award, Jay Austin recognized the brothers for their leadership of Idell Construction, a family-owned business founded by their father, Billy Idell, in 1987, which has built more than 100 homes and completed numerous commercial and community projects throughout Greene County. Among their contributions is the volunteer construction of the Isaiah 117 House in Greeneville, along with their involvement in flood recovery efforts to help families repair damaged homes and buildings. Austin also highlighted their extensive community service, including Jeff’s leadership in local civic and youth organizations and Mike’s dedication to the Greene County Fair, local agriculture and church activities.
Here are Jay Austin’s complete remarks:
A father stressed to his sons that you cannot out give God. He wasn’t just talking about money. He was talking about, when you give your time, your resources and your service to others, God will always bless you.
This year the Robert C Austin Award for distinguished service to community is different, because we have a double winner, not a husband-and-wife team, but brothers. Billy Idell’s advice inspired his sons, Mike and Jeff, to support one another in their personal lives, through their business, Idell Construction, in their churches and throughout community.
Family-owned Idell Construction in known for outstanding custom homes and commercial projects. Shortly after Billy Idell founded the business in 1987, both sons, Mike and Jeff, joined the team. Their dedication, their knowledge, their expertise, their attention to detail and their faithful service to the community, helped Idell Construction expand and prosper over the years, with more and bigger projects.
After Billy Idell passed away in 2018, his legacy continued through his sons Mike and Jeff and his grandsons Matt, Eric and Josh.
Jeff Idell serves as Idell Construction’s chief executive, personally taking and returning calls from prospective customers so he can warmly and generously help people realize their dreams, whether that’s a new Green County home or a commercial business project.
Mike Idell, the Chief Operations officer of Idell Construction, handles the development of commercial projects and sees to the management of the company’s fleet of vehicles and equipment. He is dedicated to safety education and procedures, for the people they employ. His commercial development experience assures all the local building codes and standards are met, in a safe and efficient environment.
Idell Construction has built over 100 new homes for local families and for folks moving to Greene County. Their projects include the Green County Humane Society, the Tusculum baseball stadium, the Greeneville High School football field, the Unity Urology Building, as well as, multiple Marathon gasoline stations, and many others.
One of their teams greatest accomplishments, was having Idell Construction join Lynn Pitt Construction and Seaton Construction, volunteering to construct the Isaiah 117 House in Greeneville.
Jeff Idell served on the national board for Isaiah 117 House, he serves on the executive board of the Greene County Partnership and he serves on the Town of Greeneville Industrial Board. Jeff works as chairman of the Greene Young Life group, helping guide young people in three local high schools and at Tusculum University. Because of their example and Christian leadership, Tusculum University recognized Jeff and his wife, Lisa, by naming the female house of their Decipleship Living-Learning Center, the Idell House, in their honor.
Many families were helped during the flood, when Aidnet became active again. Jeff served as president and the brothers helped organize teams to clear structures and repair homes and buildings.
Jeff and Lisa are active members of Greeneville’s First Baptist Church where Jeff is Vice Chairman of the Deacons. You can usually find him on Wednesday nights, in the kitchen cleaning up after the church’s Wednesday night meals. Jeff and Lisa have two sons Josh (Madison) and Jordan (Maddie) and one grandson.
Mike Idell serves on the Greene County Fair Board so you will see him at the fairgrounds almost all the month of July, and at many other times throughout the year. He puts hours of work, making improvements to the fair buildings and grounds. Mike is really committed to the continued success of the fair for the community.
Mike is a farmer on the family farm, the Kramer Hill Farm on the 107 cutoff, where they raise Hereford cattle. He is a member of farm organizations, always striving to improve his operation. So, you might see him at many events, like the Ag Expo at the Clyde Austin 4-H Camp.
Mike and his wife Regina and their family are members of the Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church, where Mike serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Mike and his team maintain the church building and grounds.
Mike and Regina have two sons Matt (Emily) and Eric (Claire) as well as six grandchildren.
For many years, both Mike and Jeff Idell have sponsored youth teams.
Without question, Mike and Jeff Idell’s lives exemplify their love and devotion to God, to their families, to their business and to their community. For their service, we’re proud to honor Mike and Jeff Idell tonight, with the Robert C Austin Award for distinguished service to community.
Robert C. Austin Award Winners
1991 – Sarah E. T Webster
1992 – Thomas J. Garland, Sr.
1993 – Reverend Glen W. Daugherty
1994 – John M. Jones, Sr.
1995 – Tusculum College
1996 – Helen Horner
1997 – Richard H. Doughty
1998 – John I. Myers
1999 – No recipient
2000 – Darryl Bryan
2001 – Scott M. Niswonger
2002 – Betty Ruth Alexander
2003 – Dr. Nathan Horner
2004 – Paul O. Metcalfe
2005 – Kay Leonard
2006 – No recipient
2007 – Barbara Lawson
2008 – Dr. Don Henard
2009 – Kathy Knight
2010 – Betty Carter Justis
2011 – Milton Parham
2012 – Ronnie Metcalfe
2013 – Bob Hurley
2014 – No recipient
2015 – Robert H. Bailey
2016 – No recipient
2017 – Dan & Linda Dugger
2018 – Rhonda Humbert
2019 – No recipient
2022 – No recipient
2023 – Barbara Southerland
2024 – Stephanie T. Howell
2025 – Ron P. Metcalfe
2026 – Jeff Idell and Mike Idell
