Plan Consulting
Plan consulting for business owners seeking practical retirement benefits, cash-balance opportunities, and coordinated strategies that support employees while advancing owner tax and retirement objectives.
Barking Sands Capital helps business owners and employers build retirement plan solutions that align employee benefits, tax strategy, investment management, and long-term business goals. With independent, fee-based guidance and integrated planning through legal, insurance, tax, and retirement coordination, your plan can become a practical tool for attracting talent, supporting owners, and strengthening financial confidence.
Integrated retirement plan consulting, investment guidance, and tax-aware strategies for employers and business owners.
Plan consulting for business owners seeking practical retirement benefits, cash-balance opportunities, and coordinated strategies that support employees while advancing owner tax and retirement objectives.
Retirement planning that helps employers evaluate 401(k) structures, asset distribution strategies, Roth conversion considerations, and long-term accumulation goals within a complete planning framework.
Cash-balance plan guidance for business owners who need advanced contribution strategies, coordinated tax planning, and retirement solutions beyond standard savings plan limits.
Integrated planning through Barking Sands Capital’s InteProcess™ connects legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial considerations for employer plans and institutional investors.
Strategic tax planning coordinates employer retirement contributions, business-owner strategies, AMT considerations, and retirement decisions to improve overall plan efficiency.
Active investment management and portfolio analysis help align plan assets with risk tolerance, diversification needs, and the long-term retirement goals of owners and participants.
We begin by understanding your business structure, employee base, cash flow, owner objectives, and current benefits. This creates a practical foundation for evaluating plan options that fit both workforce needs and long-term financial goals.
Work with an independent planning team built around transparency, coordination, and long-term value.
Fee-based guidance helps reduce product pressure and keeps recommendations focused on client goals.
InteProcess™ coordinates retirement, tax, legal, insurance, and financial planning into one cohesive strategy.
CFP® and ChFC expertise supports sophisticated plan design, owner planning, and participant-focused guidance.
Long-standing Midwest relationships reflect a commitment to personal service and practical business guidance.
Experienced advisors focused on integrated employer retirement 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.
An employer-sponsored retirement plan is a workplace benefit that allows employees, and often business owners, to save for retirement through payroll contributions. Common examples include 401(k), profit-sharing, and cash-balance plans. Employers may contribute, match employee savings, or design plan features that support recruiting, retention, tax planning, and long-term wealth accumulation.
Talk with our team about plan design, costs, and next steps.
Recognized credential for comprehensive financial planning expertise.
Advanced designation in financial consulting and planning.
Transparent advisory structure focused on client interests.
Tell us about your business, current plan, employee needs, and owner goals. Our team will review your situation and outline 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.