Financial Planning
Integrated planning connects legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment decisions into one coordinated strategy for individuals, employer retirement plans, and institutional investors.
Barking Sands Capital delivers Integrated Fiduciary Advisory Services that bring investment management, retirement planning, tax strategy, insurance, Medicare, and estate coordination into one transparent plan. With a fee-based, client-first approach and experienced CFP® and ChFC guidance, the team helps individuals, families, business owners, employer plans, and institutions make confident decisions aligned with their values and long-term goals.

Integrated fiduciary guidance across investments, retirement, tax, insurance, healthcare, and business planning decisions.
Integrated planning connects legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment decisions into one coordinated strategy for individuals, employer retirement plans, and institutional investors.
Dynamic, research-backed portfolio management helps clients pursue growth while accounting for risk tolerance, diversification, separately managed accounts, and long-term financial objectives.
Retirement planning may include 401(k) rollovers, asset distribution strategies, Roth IRA conversions, cash-balance plans, and income planning for a confident transition.
Strategic tax planning coordinates retirement, business-owner strategies, AMT considerations, and investment decisions to help reduce avoidable tax friction over time.
Medicare and long-term care planning help clients evaluate coverage choices, IRMAA exposure, future care needs, and the protection of retirement assets.
Protection planning evaluates insurance needs as part of the broader financial plan, helping clients manage risk throughout life, not only during retirement.

The advisory team begins by learning your personal values, financial objectives, family priorities, risk tolerance, and current accounts. This discovery process creates the foundation for advice that is tailored to your destination, not a generic product recommendation.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs independence and credentials with coordinated fiduciary planning to help clients make confident decisions.
Independent RIA structure supports transparent compensation and advice aligned with client interests.
InteProcess™ coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment planning into one strategy.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support sophisticated planning for complex personal and business decisions.
Midwest roots and long-term client relationships shape responsive, personalized advisory service.
Experienced fiduciary advisors focused on integrated 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.
Fiduciary advisory services are financial planning and investment services delivered with the client’s best interests placed first. At Barking Sands Capital, that means using a transparent, fee-based approach to coordinate investments, retirement income, tax considerations, insurance needs, Medicare planning, and other financial decisions into one cohesive strategy rather than recommending products in isolation.
Connect with our team for clear answers and practical guidance.
Recognized financial planning expertise and fiduciary standards.
Advanced planning credential for comprehensive financial advice.
Transparent, fee-based advisory structure for clients.
Share your goals, questions, or current financial concerns, and the Barking Sands Capital team will help identify the right next step for your integrated advisory plan.
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.