Financial Planning
Integrated planning that connects investments, retirement, taxes, insurance, legal considerations, and family goals into one coordinated strategy through Barking Sands Capital’s proprietary InteProcess™.
Work with Barking Sands Capital for transparent, fee-based guidance from fiduciary financial advisors who align your money with your goals. From retirement and tax planning to investment management and Medicare decisions, our Minneapolis-area team helps families, professionals, and business owners navigate complex choices with clarity, discipline, and local understanding of Minnesota retirement and wealth planning needs.

Integrated fiduciary guidance for investments, retirement, taxes, Medicare, insurance, and small business financial planning.
Integrated planning that connects investments, retirement, taxes, insurance, legal considerations, and family goals into one coordinated strategy through Barking Sands Capital’s proprietary InteProcess™.
Retirement analysis and income planning, including distribution strategies, Roth IRA conversions, 401(k) rollovers, and cash-balance planning for business owners preparing for life after work.
Research-backed portfolio management using core equity strategies, diversification analysis, separately managed accounts, and risk-aware allocation designed to support long-term wealth goals.
Strategic tax coordination for individuals and business owners, including AMT planning, Roth conversion analysis, and retirement-focused tax optimization across your broader financial plan.
Guidance on Medicare coverage choices, enrollment timelines, long-term care planning, and IRMAA strategies to help protect retirement assets and manage healthcare costs.
Planning support for entrepreneurs and owners, including cash-balance plans, business-owner tax strategies, retirement benefits, and financial decisions tied to company growth.

We start by learning your goals, family priorities, business interests, retirement timeline, and concerns. For Minneapolis-area clients, that may include Minnesota tax considerations, healthcare planning, and preparing for seasonal lifestyle or property needs.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs fiduciary Minneapolis guidance with transparency, coordination, and your long-term financial destination.
Independent RIA structure supports transparent advice without commissions on managed accounts.
Minneapolis-area advisors coordinate retirement, tax, insurance, legal, and investment decisions together.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support sophisticated guidance for complex financial decisions.
Local Minnetonka presence with Midwest reach for Minnesota families and business owners.
Experienced fiduciary guidance from a relationship-focused advisory team.

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.
A fiduciary financial advisor is required to put your interests ahead of their own when giving advice. At Barking Sands Capital, the independent, fee-based approach emphasizes transparency, coordinated planning, and recommendations built around your objectives rather than product sales. That structure is especially valuable when decisions involve investments, taxes, retirement income, insurance, and estate considerations.
Connect with our team for clear, fiduciary guidance.
Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.
Advanced credential in financial consulting strategies.
Transparent advisory structure focused on client interests.
Tell us about your financial goals, questions, and timeline. Our team will help you understand the next step, whether you need a full plan, portfolio review, retirement analysis, or coordinated tax and insurance guidance.
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.