Financial Planning
Coordinate legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment planning into one seamless strategy designed around your values, goals, risk tolerance, and family priorities.
Coordinate estate tax strategy, investments, retirement goals, insurance considerations, and family priorities through one integrated planning relationship. Barking Sands Capital helps clients turn complex financial decisions into a clear, values-based plan, combining independent advice, active portfolio oversight, and professional coordination so every part of your financial picture works toward the same destination.
Integrated planning services connecting estate tax, investment, retirement, insurance, and business strategy.
Coordinate legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment planning into one seamless strategy designed around your values, goals, risk tolerance, and family priorities.
Evaluate business owner strategies, AMT considerations, Roth conversions, retirement distributions, and estate tax exposure to help improve after-tax outcomes over time.
Use dynamic, research-backed portfolio strategies designed to pursue growth, manage volatility, and support long-term financial goals through active oversight.
Develop retirement income, 401(k) rollover, distribution, and Roth conversion strategies that align cash flow needs with tax and legacy planning goals.
Protect your financial plan with insurance and risk management guidance that considers family security, estate liquidity, and long-term care needs.
Help business owners evaluate cash-balance plans, retirement benefits, tax strategies, and succession considerations within a broader wealth planning framework.
Your wealth plan should do more than manage investments. Barking Sands Capital connects estate tax considerations, retirement income, insurance, business planning, and portfolio strategy through a coordinated, fee-based process. By aligning specialists and decisions around your values, the firm helps reduce blind spots, improve tax awareness, and keep every planning choice focused on your destination.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs transparency and coordination with personal attention for complex financial planning decisions.
A fee-based advisory model focused on client needs rather than pushing financial products.
InteProcess™ coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment decisions through one planning framework.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support sophisticated planning for estate, retirement, tax, and investment matters.
Longstanding Michigan and Minnesota relationships reflect personalized service across the firm’s Midwest client base.
Experienced advisors coordinating your complete financial picture.
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.
Yes. A financial planner can help coordinate estate planning with your broader financial life, including investment accounts, retirement assets, insurance, tax exposure, and beneficiary decisions. Barking Sands Capital does not replace your attorney, but its InteProcess™ approach helps coordinate legal, tax, insurance, retirement, and financial professionals so the plan is aligned and easier to implement.
Connect with the team for clear, coordinated planning guidance.
Recognized standard for comprehensive planning expertise.
Advanced designation for integrated financial counsel.
Securities licensing supporting regulated client guidance.
Share your goals, questions, and current planning concerns. Barking Sands Capital will help you identify the right next step for coordinated estate tax, investment, retirement, and protection planning.
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.