Financial Planning
A coordinated planning experience that integrates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment considerations through Barking Sands Capital’s proprietary InteProcess™ approach.
Plan confidently for retirement, investments, taxes, healthcare, and family milestones with Barking Sands Capital. Our independent, fee-based approach helps Holland, MI clients align financial decisions with personal values, long-term goals, and Lake Michigan-area lifestyle needs, from business ownership to retirement income planning and wealth preservation.

Integrated planning, investment management, retirement, tax, healthcare, and education strategies tailored to your goals.
A coordinated planning experience that integrates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment considerations through Barking Sands Capital’s proprietary InteProcess™ approach.
Personalized retirement analysis covering income strategies, 401(k) rollovers, Roth IRA conversions, asset distribution, and business owner cash-balance planning.
Active portfolio management, diversification strategies, separately managed accounts, and portfolio analysis designed to pursue growth while respecting risk tolerance.
Strategic planning for Roth conversions, AMT exposure, retirement coordination, and business owner tax strategies in collaboration with appropriate professionals.
Guidance for Medicare coverage decisions, enrollment timelines, IRMAA strategies, and long-term care planning to help protect retirement assets.
Tax-advantaged savings strategies that help families prepare for college expenses and future education costs with confidence and flexibility.
Barking Sands Capital helps Holland, MI families, professionals, and business owners connect everyday decisions with long-term financial direction. From retirement income and investment management to Medicare, tax coordination, and education funding, our advisory process is built around your values. With Michigan roots and Midwest perspective, we provide transparent guidance designed to adapt as life changes.

Barking Sands Capital brings transparent, coordinated advice to every planning relationship.
Fee-based guidance designed around client goals, not product-driven recommendations or sales pressure.
InteProcess™ coordinates tax, legal, insurance, retirement, and investment planning into one strategy.
Michigan-founded advisors understand Midwest families, business owners, and Holland-area retirement priorities.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support disciplined planning for complex financial decisions.
Meet the advisors behind your financial strategy.

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.
The typical cost of a financial planner varies by service model, complexity, and assets involved. Some advisors charge flat planning fees, hourly fees, or a percentage of assets managed. Barking Sands Capital uses an independent, fee-based approach focused on transparency and suitability, helping clients understand compensation clearly before recommendations are implemented.
Connect with our team for clear, personalized financial guidance.
Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.
Advanced credential in financial consulting strategy.
Licensed for securities and insurance guidance.
Share your goals, questions, and timeline. A Barking Sands Capital advisor will help you understand your next planning step.
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.