Financial Planning
A coordinated planning approach that brings together legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment considerations, helping women make informed choices across every major financial decision.
Women often balance career growth, family responsibilities, caregiving, business ownership, and retirement decisions at the same time. Barking Sands Capital provides fiduciary wealth management designed around your values, goals, and risk comfort, integrating investments, retirement, tax, insurance, and planning guidance so every financial decision supports the destination you want to reach.

Integrated planning, investment, retirement, tax, and protection strategies tailored to women’s financial priorities.
A coordinated planning approach that brings together legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment considerations, helping women make informed choices across every major financial decision.
Dynamic portfolio strategies supported by research, risk awareness, and active oversight to help clients pursue long-term growth while staying aligned with their financial goals.
Retirement analysis, income planning, asset distribution strategies, and future-focused guidance designed to help you prepare confidently for the lifestyle you envision.
Strategic tax coordination, including retirement and business-owner considerations, designed to help reduce avoidable tax friction and improve long-term planning outcomes.
Guidance for moving retirement savings into a tailored investment strategy, simplifying account management while supporting your broader retirement and wealth goals.
Insurance and risk management planning that helps protect income, family priorities, future healthcare needs, and the financial foundation you are building.
Wealth management is most effective when every part of your financial life works together. Barking Sands Capital combines investment strategy, retirement analysis, tax coordination, protection planning, and professional collaboration into a seamless fee-based approach. For women making important life, family, or career decisions, our team helps turn values into practical financial direction.

Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs sophisticated planning for women with personal attention and transparent fiduciary advice.
Independent RIA structure supports transparent, client-first guidance without commissions on managed accounts.
Our InteProcess™ coordinates investments, tax, insurance, legal, and retirement planning into one strategy.
Women work with advisors who understand family priorities, caregiving decisions, career shifts, and longevity planning.
Midwest roots and long-term relationships shape responsive service across Michigan, Minnesota, and beyond.
Meet the professionals behind our client-first planning approach.

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.
Yes. Barking Sands Capital includes female financial professionals, including co-founder and Principal Kelly L'Esperance and CFP® Andrea Cervena. The team supports women with investment management, retirement planning, education funding, tax planning, budgeting, and major life decisions. Their approach is collaborative, values-based, and focused on helping clients make informed financial choices without product pressure.
Connect with our team for clear, values-based guidance.
Recognized standard for comprehensive planning expertise.
Advanced credential in financial consulting strategies.
Licensed team serving insurance and securities needs.
Share your goals, questions, or upcoming transition. Our team will respond with next steps for a thoughtful introductory conversation.
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.