Philanthropic Planning
Create a purposeful giving strategy that reflects your values, supports meaningful causes, and fits within your broader investment, tax, retirement, and estate planning priorities.
Align your wealth with your values through integrated philanthropic planning and private wealth management from Barking Sands Capital. Our independent, fee-based advisory approach brings together investment management, tax-aware strategies, retirement planning, insurance considerations, and coordinated professional guidance so your financial life supports both long-term security and meaningful impact.
Coordinated wealth services designed to align investments, taxes, retirement, risk management, and charitable goals.
Create a purposeful giving strategy that reflects your values, supports meaningful causes, and fits within your broader investment, tax, retirement, and estate planning priorities.
Integrate legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning through a coordinated process designed to simplify complex decisions and align your financial life.
Receive active, research-backed portfolio management using hand-picked equity strategies, diversification guidance, and risk-aware recommendations tailored to your financial goals.
Coordinate tax planning with retirement income, Roth conversion opportunities, AMT considerations, charitable giving, and business-owner strategies to improve long-term outcomes.
Plan for retirement with rollover guidance, distribution strategies, Roth IRA conversions, cash-balance plan considerations, and analysis built around sustainable income.
Evaluate life, health, long-term care, and insurance needs as part of a full financial plan designed to protect wealth and family priorities.
We begin by understanding your personal values, family priorities, charitable interests, current assets, liabilities, income needs, and long-term goals. This discovery step creates the foundation for advice that reflects both your financial destination and the impact you want to make.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs transparent, values-led guidance with coordinated planning for families, professionals, business owners, and institutions.
Fee-based RIA structure supports transparent advice without product-driven managed account commissions.
Integrated planning coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment decisions through one process.
Clients receive sophisticated investment guidance with the flexibility and attention of a personal advisor.
Risk management is incorporated throughout your financial picture, not only at retirement.
Independent advisors focused on values-based financial guidance.
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.
Boutique wealth management refers to a more personalized advisory experience, typically delivered by a smaller, independent firm rather than a large institution. At Barking Sands Capital, that means direct advisor attention, transparent fee-based guidance, and strategies tailored to your values, goals, risk tolerance, tax picture, retirement needs, and legacy planning priorities.
Connect with our team for thoughtful, personalized planning guidance.
Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning expertise.
Advanced credential in financial consulting and planning.
Fee-based structure supporting transparent client-first advice.
Share your goals, concerns, and planning priorities. Our team will help you determine the next step toward a coordinated wealth strategy.
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.