Comprehensive Planning
A seamless planning approach that integrates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment decisions through Barking Sands Capital’s proprietary InteProcess™ for individuals, retirement plans, and institutions.
Build a coordinated financial life with fiduciary guidance that connects investments, retirement income, tax strategy, insurance, Medicare, and long-term goals. Barking Sands Capital brings fee-based planning, active portfolio insight, and a team-based process to help individuals, business owners, employer plans, and families make confident decisions without product-first advice.

Integrated fiduciary planning across retirement, taxes, investments, healthcare, insurance, and business owner priorities.
A seamless planning approach that integrates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment decisions through Barking Sands Capital’s proprietary InteProcess™ for individuals, retirement plans, and institutions.
Retirement analysis, 401(k) rollovers, distribution strategies, Roth conversion considerations, and cash-balance plan support designed to help clients prepare for sustainable income.
Strategic planning that coordinates tax exposure with retirement, investment, and business decisions, including AMT considerations and tax-aware retirement strategies.
Research-backed portfolio management using core equity strategies, diversification, separately managed accounts, and risk-aware recommendations tailored to each client’s objectives.
Coverage guidance for retirement healthcare decisions, helping clients compare Medicare options, enrollment timelines, costs, and long-term care planning considerations.
Insurance and protection planning that evaluates life, health, long-term care, and risk management needs as part of a broader financial plan.

We begin by understanding your values, goals, family needs, business interests, current accounts, and concerns. This helps define what success looks like before any investment, retirement, insurance, or tax strategy is considered.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs fiduciary financial planning with tax coordination to connect every major financial decision with clarity and purpose.
Independent RIA structure supports transparent advice without commissions on managed accounts.
Proprietary InteProcess™ coordinates tax, legal, insurance, retirement, and investment planning.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support disciplined, comprehensive guidance for complex financial decisions.
Sophisticated portfolio strategies paired with the flexibility and attention of a personal advisor.
Experienced advisors focused on transparent, client-first 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.
A fiduciary financial advisor is obligated to put your interests first when giving investment and planning advice. A tax advisor focuses primarily on tax preparation, compliance, and tax-saving strategies. Barking Sands Capital integrates tax planning with retirement, investment, insurance, legal, and estate considerations, while coordinating with designated tax professionals when specialized tax advice is needed.
Connect with our team for clear fiduciary planning guidance.
Rigorous credential for holistic financial planning.
Advanced designation for comprehensive financial consulting.
Licensed support for insurance and securities planning.
Share your goals, concerns, and current planning priorities. Our team will help you understand the next steps for a coordinated fiduciary planning 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.