Retirement Planning
Comprehensive retirement analysis covering savings, withdrawals, tax exposure, and account structure, helping clients coordinate IRS-approved plans with broader lifetime financial goals.
IRS-Approved Retirement Plans can help individuals and business owners reduce current taxes, build long-term wealth, and coordinate savings with broader financial goals. Barking Sands Capital brings CFP® and ChFC guidance, tax-aware analysis, and a fee-based planning process to help you evaluate 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, cash-balance plans, rollovers, and retirement income strategies with confidence for the future.

Tax-aware retirement plan guidance for individuals, employer plans, and business owners seeking coordinated long-term strategies.
Comprehensive retirement analysis covering savings, withdrawals, tax exposure, and account structure, helping clients coordinate IRS-approved plans with broader lifetime financial goals.
Guidance for transferring old employer plan assets into a tailored strategy while helping reduce administrative friction, avoid mistakes, and align investments with future income needs.
Tax-aware Roth conversion planning designed to evaluate timing, income impact, long-term tax-free growth potential, and how conversions fit your retirement distribution strategy.
Planning support for business owners considering cash-balance plans, tax strategies, and retirement savings structures that coordinate with business income and owner objectives.
Strategic coordination of tax and retirement decisions, including business owner strategies, AMT planning, contribution timing, distribution planning, and broader financial integration.
Active portfolio management and asset allocation guidance designed to support retirement objectives while balancing growth potential, diversification, and personal risk tolerance.

We begin by reviewing your current retirement accounts, employer benefits, tax picture, income needs, investment risk tolerance, and long-term goals. This creates a clear planning baseline before recommending any IRS-approved retirement plan strategy.
Barking Sands Capital helps clients make retirement decisions with clarity, coordination, and long-term discipline.
Fee-based guidance focused on client needs instead of pushing unsuitable financial products.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support sophisticated retirement, tax, and planning decisions.
InteProcess™ connects legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning into one coordinated strategy.
Independent custodians and transparent compensation help clients understand where assets are held.
Meet the advisors behind your retirement 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.
An IRS-approved retirement savings plan is typically a tax-advantaged account or employer plan that meets IRS rules for contributions, withdrawals, and reporting. Examples include 401(k)s, traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and defined benefit or cash-balance plans. These plans may offer tax-deferred growth, tax-free qualified withdrawals, deductible contributions, or employer contribution opportunities.
Get clear guidance before making your next retirement decision.
Recognized financial planning credential for comprehensive advice.
Advanced credential in financial and retirement planning.
Transparent advisory structure focused on client needs.
Share your retirement goals, current accounts, and key tax concerns. The team will help 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.