J. Sebastian Smelko

Examiner
DISC Type : cs

Partner at Ice Miller LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Overview

J. Sebastian Smelko is a Partner at Ice Miller, where he is the leader of the public infrastructure industry group and vice-chair of the Governmental Affairs and Regulatory Law group. His expertise spans public-private partnerships, infrastructure finance, and economic development. He previously served as General Counsel for the Ports of Indiana and as a policy director for former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.

Outside of his legal career, Sebastian is a husband and a father to two daughters. He is a history enthusiast, having earned a B. S. in History and Policy from Carnegie Mellon University, where he was also a three-year letter winner and captain for the football team. He has lived in Australia and the United Kingdom.

He is an alumnus of the FBI Citizens Academy, a program that gives community leaders an inside look at the FBI.

Personality Overview

Status Quo Seeker

Overcautious

Unexpressive

They are always well-planned and adopt a systematic approach.  The only way to convince them is by showing them examples and ample proof. They are heavily focused on quality and prefer doing things the right way, even if it takes time.

Topics They Care About

Public Infrastructure
Leads his firm's public infrastructure group, focusing on P3s, economic development, and has worked on Indiana's largest commuter rail expansion.
Government Modernization
He writes and speaks about the need for local governments to modernize through regional collaboration and consolidation to improve efficiency and attract private investment.
American History
Majored in History and Policy at Carnegie Mellon and has publicly recommended thoroughly researched books on American historical figures like the Marquis de Lafayette.

Media Appearances

J. has no verified media appearances

Work History

1-2019
Partner at Ice Miller LLP
6-2017
Of Counsel at Ice Miller LLP
9-2013 - 6-2017
Of Counsel at Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP
1-2013 - 8-2013
General Counsel at Ports of Indiana
5-2007 - 1-2013
Assistant Counsel; Gaming & Public Safety Policy Director for Governor Mitch Daniels at Office of the Governor

Education

1999 - 2003
B.S from Carnegie Mellon University
2005 - 2007
Accelerated J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 18 Location : Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : Partner at Ice Miller LLP
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Insights For Selling To J. Sebastian

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Expect them to be slow and cautious, encourage them to ask more questions
  • Expect them to be vague in response to your questions, ask firmly and pointedly
  • Ask them which other stakeholders would be important for this purchase decision

DONT's

  • Don't push them too hard to make fast decisions, give them time
  • Don't use phrases like 'do not worry', 'i promise' etc.
  • Don't rely on relationship building even if they act pleasantly

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with J. Sebastian is

  • For them, low risk and acceptance by others are very important, followed by proof of ROI.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from J. Sebastian

  • Often, they don't say no, or keep going about it in circles.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will J. Sebastian move?

  • They do not like to take decisions in a hurry, so they could be slow in making their mind up.
  • Can J. Sebastian take some risk or not?

  • They are low on risk-appetite and prefer to make informed decisions.

You And J. Sebastian

Personality Compatibility


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