Plan Strategy
We help employers and health professionals evaluate plan structure, contribution strategies, retirement readiness, and long-term distribution needs through a comprehensive planning process.
Designing employee retirement plan benefits for health professionals requires more than selecting investment options. Barking Sands Capital helps medical practices, healthcare organizations, and plan sponsors coordinate retirement planning, tax strategy, risk management, and employee education into a clearer benefits experience. Our independent, fee-based approach helps align plan decisions with business goals and the long-term financial well-being of valued staff.

Integrated retirement, tax, investment, and protection planning for healthcare employers and professionals.
We help employers and health professionals evaluate plan structure, contribution strategies, retirement readiness, and long-term distribution needs through a comprehensive planning process.
We simplify 401(k) rollovers by helping participants understand account options, transfer retirement savings, and align assets with a tailored investment strategy.
For practice owners and small businesses, cash-balance planning can support larger retirement contributions while coordinating with tax strategy and overall business planning.
Our tax planning approach coordinates retirement contributions, Roth IRA conversion strategies, AMT considerations, and business owner strategies to support efficient long-term outcomes.
Active investment management and portfolio analysis help align retirement plan assets with risk tolerance, diversification goals, and long-term growth objectives.
We integrate protection planning, Medicare planning, long-term care considerations, and IRMAA strategies to help retirement benefits support broader financial security.
Employee retirement benefits should support both the organization funding the plan and the people relying on it. Barking Sands Capital brings retirement analysis, investment management, tax coordination, insurance planning, and professional collaboration into one streamlined advisory experience. For health professionals balancing demanding careers and complex compensation, we help clarify plan options, reduce friction, and build benefits around long-term financial confidence.

A transparent, coordinated advisory approach for retirement plan decisions.
A fee-based RIA model supports transparent advice without commissions on managed accounts.
CFP® and ChFC expertise supports complex retirement, tax, insurance, and investment planning needs.
InteProcess™ coordinates professionals across disciplines so retirement plans fit the whole financial picture.
Personalized guidance combines institutional-level advice with attentive service for busy health professionals.
Meet the advisors behind your retirement plan 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.
A legacy retirement plan is typically an older employer-sponsored plan that may have been created under previous ownership, prior benefit rules, or outdated investment assumptions. For health professionals, legacy plans can include pensions, 401(k)s, profit-sharing arrangements, or cash-balance plans. Reviewing them helps uncover fees, fiduciary gaps, outdated documents, rollover opportunities, and whether benefits still support current employee and business goals.
Get clear answers from a credentialed financial planning team.
Recognized advanced financial planning credential.
Advanced designation for comprehensive financial guidance.
Licensed support for protection planning needs.
Tell us about your organization, current plan structure, and employee benefit goals. Our team will help you identify practical next steps.
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.