Retirement Planning
Coordinate savings, investments, tax considerations, and future income needs through a comprehensive retirement strategy tailored to your goals, timeline, and risk tolerance.
Create a retirement savings strategy that connects your investments, taxes, insurance needs, and long-term goals. Barking Sands Capital helps individuals, families, employer plans, and business owners evaluate options like 401(k) rollovers, Roth conversions, cash-balance plans, and asset distribution strategies with transparent, fee-based guidance designed around your destination—not a product quota.

Integrated retirement savings guidance covering rollovers, Roth strategies, tax planning, investments, and business owner solutions.
Coordinate savings, investments, tax considerations, and future income needs through a comprehensive retirement strategy tailored to your goals, timeline, and risk tolerance.
Evaluate whether transferring an old employer plan into a tailored investment strategy may improve flexibility, oversight, and alignment with your retirement objectives.
Assess whether converting pre-tax retirement assets to Roth accounts can support tax-free growth, future income flexibility, and long-term wealth transfer goals.
Use active, research-backed portfolio management and diversification strategies to pursue growth while accounting for risk across your broader financial picture.
Integrate tax planning with retirement savings choices, including AMT considerations, business owner strategies, and distribution timing for more efficient outcomes.
Plan cash-balance plans, business owner tax strategies, and retirement savings structures that support both company goals and personal financial independence.
Retirement savings decisions rarely stand alone. Barking Sands Capital connects investment management, tax planning, insurance considerations, estate coordination, and income distribution into one cohesive strategy. Through transparent, fee-based guidance and the proprietary InteProcess™, the team helps you make informed decisions about rollovers, Roth conversions, employer plans, and long-term savings priorities with your personal values at the center.

Barking Sands Capital combines personalized service with sophisticated planning and investment capabilities.
Independent RIA structure supports transparent guidance focused on client goals, not product commissions.
The proprietary InteProcess™ coordinates tax, legal, insurance, retirement, and investment planning disciplines.
Founded in Michigan and expanded to Minnesota, the team maintains strong Midwest client relationships.
CFP® and ChFC guidance supports sophisticated retirement decisions with personal advisor attention.
Meet the advisors behind your retirement savings strategy.

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.
A retirement savings plan is a broad term for strategies and accounts designed to fund retirement. A 401(k) is one specific employer-sponsored retirement savings plan. Other options may include IRAs, Roth IRAs, cash-balance plans, pensions, rollover IRAs, and taxable investment accounts. Barking Sands Capital helps clients compare how each option fits their income, taxes, investment timeline, and retirement goals.
Get clear answers from a retirement planning professional.
Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.
Advanced credential in financial consulting strategies.
Licensed support for retirement protection strategies.
Share your goals, timeline, and questions. A Barking Sands Capital advisor will help you understand practical next steps for building or refining your retirement savings plan.
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.