Fiduciary Retirement Advisors — 401(k) & 403(b) Planning

Plan sponsor decisions affect employees, fiduciary risk, and long-term retirement outcomes. Barking Sands Capital provides independent, fee-based guidance for 401(k) and 403(b) planning, helping employers and participants align plan design, investment strategy, tax considerations, and retirement goals through a transparent advisory process built around client needs—not product sales.

Fiduciary advisor reviewing retirement plan documents with clients

Our Fiduciary Retirement Advisor Services

Fiduciary-focused retirement guidance integrating plan design, rollovers, tax strategy, and investment management.

Retirement Planning

Evaluate plan structure, contribution options, investment menus, and fiduciary considerations to support better outcomes for employers, employees, and individual retirement savers.

401(k) Rollovers

Simplify the transfer of existing 401(k) assets into a coordinated investment strategy designed around retirement income needs, tax considerations, and long-term financial goals.

Comprehensive Planning

Integrate legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning through Barking Sands Capital’s proprietary InteProcess™ for more coordinated decision-making.

Tax Coordination

Coordinate retirement plan decisions with tax strategies, including business owner planning, AMT considerations, and tax-efficient retirement income opportunities.

Roth Conversions

Assess whether Roth IRA conversions may help reduce future tax exposure, create tax-free growth potential, and support long-range retirement wealth planning.

Business Owner Plans

Support business owners with retirement-focused consulting, including cash-balance plan opportunities and strategies that connect business goals with personal wealth planning.

Integrated Planning

Retirement Plans Built Around Your Goals

A strong retirement plan is more than a lineup of funds. Barking Sands Capital helps employers and individuals evaluate fiduciary responsibilities, investment management, rollover decisions, tax coordination, and long-term retirement goals through a seamless, fee-based advisory process. Their team integrates retirement planning with legal, insurance, tax, and financial considerations so each recommendation fits the larger picture.

Advisor explaining retirement plan options to clients
The Barking Sands Capital Difference

Why Choose Barking Sands Capital?

Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs fiduciary-minded retirement advisory guidance with coordinated financial planning expertise.

Fiduciary Focus

Independent RIA guidance supports transparent advice without commission-driven managed account recommendations.

Integrated Process

InteProcess™ coordinates retirement, tax, legal, insurance, and financial planning into one advisory framework.

Credentialed Team

CFP®, ChFC, securities, and insurance credentials support well-rounded retirement plan guidance.

Personal Service

Clients receive sophisticated investment insight with the flexibility and attention of a personal advisor.

Meet The Advisory Team

Meet the advisors behind the planning process.

Portrait of JB L'Esperance, Principal and ChFC at Barking Sands Capital

JB L'Esperance

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.

Portrait of Kelly L'Esperance, Principal at Barking Sands Capital

Kelly L'Esperance

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.

Portrait of Curtis Hewitt, Advisor at Barking Sands Capital

Curtis Hewitt

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.

Portrait of Tara Handy, Client Relationship Manager at Barking Sands Capital

Tara Handy

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.

Portrait of Andrea Cervena, CFP® at Barking Sands Capital

Andrea Cervena

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fiduciary retirement advisor?

A fiduciary retirement advisor is required to place the client’s interests first when giving retirement plan guidance. For 401(k) and 403(b) plans, that can include reviewing investment options, plan costs, participant needs, provider relationships, and fiduciary responsibilities. Barking Sands Capital’s independent, fee-based structure supports transparent advice designed around client objectives rather than commission-based product recommendations.

How can a fiduciary advisor help with a 401(k) or 403(b) plan?

What is the difference between a 401(k) and a 403(b) plan?

How often should an employer review a retirement plan?

How are fiduciary retirement advisors compensated?

Can you help with 401(k) rollovers?

Do you advise small business owners on retirement plans?

Why is tax planning important for 401(k) and 403(b) strategies?

Still Have Retirement Plan Questions?

Get clear answers from a fiduciary-focused retirement planning team.

Credentialed Guidance

Awards and Recognition

Certified Financial Planner certification logo

Certified Financial Planner

Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.

Chartered Financial Consultant certification logo

Chartered Financial Consultant

Advanced designation for integrated financial guidance.

Series securities registrations badge

Series Registrations

Supports investment and retirement plan advisory work.

Ready To Strengthen Your Retirement Plan?

Tell us about your retirement plan goals, fiduciary responsibilities, or rollover questions. Our team will help you understand practical next steps.

Contact Us Today

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.