Financial Planning
Integrated planning that brings together legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment considerations through Barking Sands Capital’s proprietary InteProcess™ for a coordinated financial roadmap.
Plan your financial future with fiduciary guidance from Barking Sands Capital, serving clients in and around Farmington Hills from nearby Troy. Our fee-based approach integrates investments, retirement, tax strategies, Medicare, insurance, and estate considerations so your wealth plan reflects your goals, risk tolerance, and family priorities across every stage of life.

Coordinated fiduciary planning for investments, retirement, taxes, Medicare, insurance, and business-owner strategies.
Integrated planning that brings together legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment considerations through Barking Sands Capital’s proprietary InteProcess™ for a coordinated financial roadmap.
Research-backed portfolio strategies designed to pursue growth, manage risk, and align investments with each client’s objectives, time horizon, and tolerance for market volatility.
Retirement analysis, 401(k) rollovers, Roth conversion strategies, asset distribution planning, and cash-balance plan guidance for individuals and business owners approaching retirement.
Strategic coordination of taxes with retirement income, business-owner strategies, AMT planning, Roth conversions, and broader wealth decisions to improve long-term efficiency.
Personalized Medicare and long-term care planning that helps clients understand coverage options, IRMAA strategies, future care needs, and healthcare costs in retirement.
Consulting for small business owners, including retirement plan strategies, cash-balance plans, tax-aware planning, and financial decisions tied to business and personal wealth.

We begin by understanding your values, family priorities, cash flow needs, risk tolerance, and long-term destination. For Farmington Hills clients, this often includes retirement timing, business ownership, education funding, and coordinating multiple accounts across employers or custodians.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs fiduciary care and integrated planning with personalized advisor attention in the Farmington Hills area.
Fee-based RIA structure supports transparent advice for families near Farmington Hills and Oakland County.
InteProcess™ coordinates tax, insurance, legal, retirement, and investment planning through one cohesive strategy.
CFP® and ChFC credentials bring disciplined planning standards to complex wealth decisions.
Michigan roots and Midwest reach help clients navigate regional retirement, business, and family priorities.
Meet the advisors behind your fiduciary planning experience.

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.
Fiduciary financial advisor fees commonly use an assets-under-management percentage, flat planning fee, hourly rate, or retainer. Many comprehensive advisors charge around 0.50% to 1.25% annually for portfolio management, while planning-only engagements may be fixed-fee. Barking Sands Capital uses a fee-based, transparent process and does not rely on pushing products for managed accounts.
Connect with our team for clear, fiduciary financial guidance.
Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.
Advanced credential in financial consulting and planning.
Supports coordinated protection and Medicare planning.
Share your goals, concerns, and planning priorities. Our team will help you understand the next steps and whether our fiduciary process is the right fit.
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.