Financial Planning
Coordinate investments, retirement, tax, insurance, and legal considerations through a unified planning approach designed to connect your financial decisions to your long-term goals.
When you search for Fiduciary Investment Advisors Near Me, you want guidance that puts your goals ahead of products. Barking Sands Capital provides fee-based investment management, retirement planning, tax-aware strategies, and coordinated financial planning for clients across Michigan, Minnesota, and the broader Midwest, with transparent advice designed around your destination.
Integrated fiduciary guidance for investments, retirement, taxes, rollovers, and long-term financial decisions.
Coordinate investments, retirement, tax, insurance, and legal considerations through a unified planning approach designed to connect your financial decisions to your long-term goals.
Receive active, research-backed portfolio guidance focused on growth potential, diversification, risk tolerance, and disciplined investment decisions aligned with your broader financial plan.
Plan retirement income, distributions, savings strategies, and timing decisions with analysis that supports confidence before and throughout your retirement years.
Evaluate and transfer retirement savings from employer plans into a strategy that considers fees, investment options, taxes, income needs, and long-term flexibility.
Integrate tax-aware decisions into your financial plan, including AMT planning, retirement coordination, business owner strategies, and investment-related tax considerations.
Explore Roth conversion opportunities designed to manage tax liability, support tax-free growth potential, and strengthen long-term retirement and legacy planning.
Your advisor begins by learning your goals, values, current accounts, retirement timeline, tax concerns, insurance picture, and family priorities. This creates a complete view before recommendations are made.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs fiduciary investment guidance with transparency, coordination, and your long-term financial goals.
Fee-based RIA structure supports transparent advice without pushing managed-account commissions or unsuitable products.
InteProcess™ coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment planning into one strategy.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support sophisticated guidance for clients across Michigan, Minnesota, and the Midwest.
Long-standing Midwest relationships reflect responsive service, family values, and attention from personal advisors.
Experienced advisors focused on transparent, relationship-based 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.
A fiduciary investment advisor is required to put your interests first when providing financial advice. Barking Sands Capital operates as an independent, fee-based Registered Investment Advisor, emphasizing transparency, coordinated planning, and strategies aligned with your goals rather than product sales. This approach can support investment management, retirement planning, tax coordination, and broader financial decisions.
Connect with our team for clear answers and next steps.
Advanced designation for comprehensive financial guidance.
Recognized standard for personal financial planning.
Fee-based structure focused on client-first transparency.
Reach out to schedule a conversation about your goals, current portfolio, retirement timeline, or planning questions. The Barking Sands Capital team will help you understand the next step clearly.
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.