Financial Planning
Coordinate legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning into one cohesive strategy designed around your family’s goals, responsibilities, and future generations.
Build, protect, and transfer family wealth with integrated planning from Barking Sands Capital. Our independent, fee-based team coordinates investments, retirement, tax, insurance, education funding, and legacy considerations into one clear strategy. With Midwest roots and a client-first approach, we help families align financial decisions with long-term goals, values, and future generations.

Integrated planning and investment services for families building, protecting, and transferring long-term wealth.
Coordinate legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning into one cohesive strategy designed around your family’s goals, responsibilities, and future generations.
Access research-backed portfolio strategies, risk management, diversification guidance, and separately managed account options tailored to your objectives and tolerance for volatility.
Plan income distribution, 401(k) rollovers, Roth IRA conversions, and retirement account strategies that support long-term confidence and tax-aware decision-making.
Integrate tax optimization with retirement, investment, and business planning, including AMT considerations, Roth conversion timing, and business owner tax strategies.
Prepare for college and future education costs with personalized, tax-advantaged funding strategies that fit within your family’s broader wealth plan.
Protect family assets and future income with insurance planning, Medicare guidance, long-term care planning, and IRMAA strategies for retirement healthcare costs.

We begin by understanding your family’s goals, values, assets, obligations, risk tolerance, and concerns. This includes retirement objectives, business interests, education needs, insurance coverage, tax considerations, and the legacy you want your wealth to support.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs family wealth management with coordinated strategy to connect every part of your financial life.
Fee-based RIA structure supports transparent advice without commissions on managed accounts.
InteProcess™ coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning professionals.
Founded in Michigan and expanded to Minnesota, with lasting Midwest client relationships.
CFP® and ChFC guidance supports complex family, retirement, and investment decisions.
Experienced advisors focused on values-based financial guidance.

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.
Family wealth management is a coordinated approach to growing, protecting, and transferring assets across generations. It typically includes investment management, retirement planning, tax coordination, insurance planning, education funding, estate considerations, and risk management. At Barking Sands Capital, the goal is to align financial decisions with your family’s values, lifestyle needs, and long-term legacy objectives.
Connect with our team for clear, personalized guidance.
Advanced credential for comprehensive financial guidance.
Specialized credential in advanced financial consulting.
Transparent, fee-based advisory structure for clients.
Share your goals, concerns, and current financial picture. Our team will help identify the next best planning step for your family.
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.