Business Consulting
Planning and consulting for business owners, including succession priorities, cash-balance plan opportunities, owner tax strategies, and coordinated financial decisions that affect the company and personal wealth.
Plan your company’s next chapter with strategies that align ownership transition, tax efficiency, retirement goals, risk management, and family priorities. Barking Sands Capital helps business owners coordinate the financial, insurance, legal, and tax considerations behind a successful exit or continuity plan, using a transparent, fee-based approach designed to protect value and support confident decisions over time.
Integrated planning services for owners preparing for transition, tax efficiency, retirement, and long-term business continuity.
Planning and consulting for business owners, including succession priorities, cash-balance plan opportunities, owner tax strategies, and coordinated financial decisions that affect the company and personal wealth.
Strategic planning that coordinates business owner tax strategies, AMT considerations, retirement distributions, and broader financial decisions to help reduce avoidable tax friction.
A coordinated planning approach that integrates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial considerations through the firm’s proprietary InteProcess™.
Retirement planning for owners, including asset distribution strategies, Roth IRA conversions, 401(k) rollovers, and cash-balance plan analysis to support transition goals.
Risk management and insurance planning designed to protect owners, families, partners, and the business from disruption during succession or unexpected life events.
Active investment and asset management strategies that align personal portfolios, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and long-term wealth goals with succession plans.
We begin by understanding your ownership goals, desired exit timeline, family priorities, retirement expectations, and concerns about continuity. This foundation helps clarify whether the plan should focus on sale readiness, internal transition, family succession, or long-term risk management.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs coordinated, transparent guidance with experienced counsel for complex ownership transitions.
Independent RIA structure supports transparent advice without commissions on managed accounts.
InteProcess™ coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning disciplines.
CFP® and ChFC credentials bring depth to complex owner planning decisions.
A fee-based process keeps recommendations aligned with client goals and values.
Experienced advisors coordinating business, tax, and retirement decisions.
Principal, ChFC
JB L'Esperance is a co-founder and Principal of Barking Sands Capital (The L'Esperance Group, LLC), holding the prestigious Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation. With a career that began right out of college in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, JB has built deep expertise in investment management, retirement analysis, estate planning, and small business planning. Licensed in life and health insurance in both Michigan and Minnesota, he has maintained lasting relationships with many of his earliest clients — a testament to his commitment to delivering excellent service and real value. The oldest of six siblings, JB developed strong teamwork and family values early, qualities that define his client-first advisory approach. He and his wife Kelly reside in Independence, Minnesota, where they continue growing their Midwest financial planning practice.
Principal
Kelly C. L'Esperance is a co-founder and Principal of Barking Sands Capital (The L'Esperance Group, LLC), bringing a strong background in investment services, fixed income investing, retirement and education planning, and investment portfolio management. With five years of experience at one of the nation's largest commercial banks, Kelly joined her husband and business partner JB to build an independent, fee-based advisory firm grounded in putting clients' needs above all else. Growing up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where her family ran small resort businesses, Kelly developed an entrepreneurial spirit and deep appreciation for personalized service. Kelly resides in Independence, Minnesota, with JB and their two children.
Advisor
Curtis Hewitt is an Advisor with Barking Sands Capital, specializing in Medicare Planning and Long Term Care. Based in Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Curtis brings a dynamic entrepreneurial career to his advisory role, having successfully started, managed, and sold multiple businesses throughout his professional life. He is also co-founder of MSIS Agency. Curtis holds a degree in Architectural Design from Lansing Community College and a Business Management degree from Colorado Technical University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He holds Life and Health insurance licenses along with Series 6 and Series 63 registrations. A dedicated community servant, Curtis has served as president of a local Women's Shelter, school board member, and co-founder of a youth mountain biking program. He resides in Marquette with his wife and four children.
Client Relationship Manager
Tara Handy is the Client Relationship Manager at Barking Sands Capital, bringing more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in client service, account management, and operational support, ensuring that both advisors and clients receive responsive, accurate, and professional assistance. Tara holds Series 7 and Series 63 securities registrations, Life and Health Insurance licenses, and is a commissioned Notary Public. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University. Known for building strong, lasting relationships, Tara is dedicated to making every client interaction seamless and reliable. She resides in western North Carolina with her husband and three children, and values hard work, strong relationships, and serving others in every aspect of her life.
CFP®
Andrea Cervena is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with Barking Sands Capital, bringing over 20 years of financial industry experience spanning three continents and multiple sectors including banking, real estate, hospitality, and sports. She holds a BA in International Business and Business Administration from Minot State University and an MA in International Relations from the International University of Japan. Since 2020, Andrea has focused exclusively on personal finance, earning her CFP® designation and assisting clients with Tax Planning, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Education Funding, and Budgeting. Her service-oriented approach and global perspective allow her to craft creative, tailored financial solutions. Outside of work, Andrea is an active volleyball official, cycling community ambassador, and Masters Ski Racing board member.
The 5 D’s of succession planning are commonly described as death, disability, divorce, departure, and disagreement. Each can disrupt ownership, leadership, cash flow, or family expectations if not addressed in advance. A thoughtful plan considers buy-sell provisions, insurance, tax exposure, retirement income, management continuity, and decision-making authority so the business can remain resilient through predictable and unexpected events.
Get practical answers before making major ownership or tax decisions.
Advanced planning credential for comprehensive financial strategies.
Recognized standard for ethical financial planning guidance.
Transparent advisory structure focused on client priorities.
Share your succession planning goals, ownership concerns, or tax priorities, and our advisory team will help identify the next practical steps.
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at 952-500-8854. You can also send us a quick email at jb@barkingsandscapital.com.
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at 952-500-8854. You can also send us a quick email at jb@barkingsandscapital.com.