Financial Planning
Coordinate legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning considerations into one seamless plan designed around your goals, values, and long-term financial security.
Work with a transparent, client-first wealth management team focused on your goals—not product sales. Barking Sands Capital integrates investment management, retirement planning, tax coordination, insurance considerations, and estate planning support into one organized strategy, helping you make confident financial decisions with experienced advisors who serve clients across Michigan, Minnesota, and the broader Midwest.
Integrated wealth management services designed to align investments, retirement, tax strategy, healthcare planning, and long-term goals.
Coordinate legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning considerations into one seamless plan designed around your goals, values, and long-term financial security.
Access research-backed portfolio strategies, diversification guidance, separately managed accounts, and active investment management built around your objectives and risk tolerance.
Plan retirement income, evaluate distribution strategies, analyze Roth conversions, and coordinate decisions that support a confident transition into and through retirement.
Integrate tax-aware strategies into your financial plan, including AMT planning, business owner strategies, Roth conversion timing, and retirement tax coordination.
Simplify the transition from an employer-sponsored retirement plan into a personalized investment strategy aligned with your income needs and long-term goals.
Navigate Medicare timelines, long-term care needs, IRMAA strategies, and future healthcare costs while protecting retirement assets and planning with clarity.
The process begins with a focused conversation about your goals, values, family needs, business interests, investment concerns, and current financial picture. This helps the team identify priorities before recommending strategies or portfolio changes.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs fee-only wealth management with transparency, coordination, and long-term client relationships.
Independent RIA structure supports transparent compensation and advice centered on your financial priorities.
CFP® and ChFC credentials bring advanced planning knowledge to complex wealth decisions.
Midwest roots in Michigan and Minnesota support lasting relationships with families and business owners.
InteProcess™ coordinates investment, tax, insurance, retirement, and legal planning considerations together.
Experienced advisors focused on transparent, coordinated wealth 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.
Fee-only and fee-based advisor costs vary by service model. Many wealth managers charge a percentage of assets under management, often around 0.50% to 1.50% annually, while planning projects may use flat or hourly fees. Barking Sands Capital emphasizes transparent compensation and an independent advisory structure, so clients can clearly understand how advice and investment management are paid for.
Get clear answers from a credentialed wealth management team.
Recognized standard for comprehensive planning expertise.
Advanced credential for integrated financial guidance.
Independent advisory structure with transparent compensation.
Share your goals, questions, and current financial priorities. The team will help you understand the next step toward a coordinated wealth management plan.
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.