Insurance Planning
Evaluate employer health plan options through the lens of risk management, employee needs, owner priorities, and licensed insurance guidance for Minnesota businesses.
Help your Minnesota business evaluate employer sponsored health insurance plans with guidance that connects employee benefits, risk management, tax considerations, and long-term financial goals. Barking Sands Capital brings licensed insurance knowledge and comprehensive planning experience to help business owners make confident, transparent decisions for teams navigating Minnesota’s competitive labor market.

Integrated guidance for employer health coverage, business planning, risk management, and financial strategy.
Evaluate employer health plan options through the lens of risk management, employee needs, owner priorities, and licensed insurance guidance for Minnesota businesses.
Align employee benefits with cash flow, taxes, retirement strategies, and business-owner goals using Barking Sands Capital’s integrated planning approach.
Coordinate health coverage decisions with legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning professionals through a seamless, team-based process.
Employer health insurance decisions affect more than premiums. They shape hiring, retention, tax planning, owner compensation, and long-term business stability. For Minnesota employers balancing seasonal costs, growth plans, and employee expectations, Barking Sands Capital provides integrated guidance that connects coverage choices with the rest of your financial picture.

Barking Sands Capital helps employers evaluate benefits within the full financial picture.
Fee-based guidance focused on client goals, not pushing financial or insurance products.
Licensed for life, health, and accident insurance in Minnesota and Michigan.
Coordinates insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning for Minnesota business owners.
Personal advisor attention with sophisticated planning for growing Midwest employer needs.
Meet the advisors behind your benefits planning.

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.
Employer-sponsored health insurance is coverage offered by a business, nonprofit, or organization to eligible employees and often their dependents. The employer typically selects plan options and contributes toward premiums, while employees pay their share through payroll deductions. Plans may include medical, dental, vision, health savings account compatibility, and other benefit features depending on the employer’s goals and budget.
Get clear answers before choosing or renewing employee coverage.
Recognized standard for comprehensive planning expertise.
Advanced credential in financial consulting strategies.
Licensed to advise on Minnesota coverage options.
Share your business size, goals, and current benefits questions. Our team will review your situation and help you understand practical next 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.