Retirement Planning
Plan for retirement with coordinated guidance on 401(k) rollovers, distribution strategies, Roth IRA conversions, cash-balance plans, and retirement income decisions aligned with your long-term goals.
Barking Sands Capital provides Comprehensive Financial Planning Services that bring your retirement, tax, insurance, legal, investment, and estate considerations into one coordinated strategy. Through a transparent, fee-based approach and the proprietary InteProcess™, their advisors help individuals, business owners, retirement plans, and institutions make clearer decisions with disciplined risk management and long-term goals in focus.
Integrated planning support for retirement, taxes, investments, insurance, Medicare, business needs, and long-term wealth decisions.
Plan for retirement with coordinated guidance on 401(k) rollovers, distribution strategies, Roth IRA conversions, cash-balance plans, and retirement income decisions aligned with your long-term goals.
Integrate tax considerations into your broader plan through retirement coordination, business owner strategies, AMT planning, Roth conversion analysis, and approaches designed to improve after-tax outcomes.
Receive research-backed portfolio guidance, asset allocation support, separately managed account strategies, diversification planning, and active investment management based on your goals and risk tolerance.
Protect your financial plan with thoughtful insurance planning that considers life, health, long-term care, Medicare, and broader risk management needs at each stage of life.
Navigate Medicare timelines, coverage options, long-term care needs, and IRMAA strategies with guidance designed to protect retirement assets and reduce costly surprises.
Support business decisions with planning for cash-balance plans, owner-focused tax strategies, retirement plan considerations, and financial structures that connect personal and business goals.
The team begins by learning about your values, priorities, family needs, business interests, retirement expectations, current assets, liabilities, and concerns. This creates a complete picture before any recommendation is made.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs transparency and coordination with experienced guidance for complex financial decisions.
Independent RIA structure supports transparent, client-first advice without managed-account product commissions.
The proprietary InteProcess™ coordinates legal, tax, insurance, retirement, and financial professionals.
CFP® and ChFC credentials reflect advanced planning knowledge and disciplined advisory standards.
Sophisticated portfolio guidance is paired with flexible, relationship-based service from personal advisors.
Experienced advisors coordinating every part of your financial life.
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.
Comprehensive financial planning is a coordinated approach that looks beyond investments alone. It connects retirement planning, tax strategies, insurance needs, legal considerations, estate planning, education funding, and risk management into one organized strategy. Barking Sands Capital uses its proprietary InteProcess™ to help designated professionals work together, so recommendations support your overall financial picture instead of solving one issue in isolation.
Connect with the team for clear, personalized financial guidance.
Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning expertise.
Advanced credential in financial consulting and planning.
Transparent fee-based advisory structure for clients.
Share your goals, questions, or current financial concerns, and Barking Sands Capital will help you understand the next step toward a coordinated planning 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.