Retirement Planning
Build a retirement strategy that coordinates income needs, 401(k) rollovers, asset distribution, Roth conversion opportunities, and long-term financial security with your personal goals.
Protect what you have built and plan confidently for what comes next with Barking Sands Capital. Our independent, fee-based advisory team integrates retirement planning, investment management, tax coordination, insurance, Medicare, and long-term care strategies into a clear financial roadmap designed around your values, goals, family needs, and future income security.
Integrated advisory services designed to protect assets, manage risk, and support confident retirement decisions.
Build a retirement strategy that coordinates income needs, 401(k) rollovers, asset distribution, Roth conversion opportunities, and long-term financial security with your personal goals.
Align insurance and risk management decisions with your broader financial plan, helping protect family assets, income goals, and future lifestyle needs.
Coordinate tax planning with retirement, investment, and business owner strategies, including AMT considerations and opportunities to improve after-tax outcomes.
Evaluate whether converting retirement assets to a Roth IRA could reduce future tax exposure, increase flexibility, and support long-term tax-free growth.
Simplify the transition from employer-sponsored retirement plans into a customized investment strategy designed around your income timeline and risk tolerance.
Prepare for future care needs, Medicare-related costs, and IRMAA considerations while helping preserve retirement assets and family financial flexibility.
We begin by learning your values, family priorities, current accounts, risk concerns, retirement timeline, and income needs. This discovery stage helps identify gaps in investment management, tax coordination, insurance coverage, Medicare planning, and long-term care preparedness.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs retirement and asset protection advisory services with transparency, coordination, and long-term client relationships.
Independent RIA structure supports transparent, client-first advice without product-driven managed account commissions.
The proprietary InteProcess™ coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning disciplines.
Advisors bring CFP®, ChFC, securities, insurance, Medicare, and long-term care planning capabilities.
Rooted in Michigan and Minnesota, the team understands Midwest families, business owners, and retirees.
Credentialed advisors focused on coordinated financial 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.
Asset protection planning focuses on organizing your financial life to help preserve wealth against avoidable risks, including taxes, healthcare costs, market volatility, liability exposure, and poor distribution timing. At Barking Sands Capital, this is coordinated with retirement income, insurance, legal, tax, and investment planning so your strategy supports both growth and preservation.
Get clear answers from a credentialed advisory team.
Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.
Advanced credential in financial consulting strategies.
Licensed guidance for insurance and securities planning.
Share your goals, concerns, and current planning questions. Our team will help you understand the next step toward a coordinated retirement and asset protection strategy.
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.