Retirement Planning
Coordinate retirement income, 401(k) rollovers, Roth IRA conversions, asset distribution, and business owner plans to build a more confident path toward lasting financial independence.
Build a coordinated financial life with independent, fee-based guidance from Barking Sands Capital. Our strategic wealth management and financial planning services integrate investment management, retirement planning, tax strategy, insurance, Medicare, and legacy considerations into one clear plan—helping individuals, families, business owners, and institutions make confident decisions aligned with their values and long-term goals.
Integrated planning and investment services designed to connect your goals, risks, taxes, retirement, and legacy.
Coordinate retirement income, 401(k) rollovers, Roth IRA conversions, asset distribution, and business owner plans to build a more confident path toward lasting financial independence.
Create a connected plan that integrates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment considerations through a seamless advisory process tailored to your goals.
Use active investment management, portfolio analysis, separately managed accounts, and diversification strategies designed around risk tolerance and long-term return potential.
Align business tax strategies, cash-balance plans, retirement planning, and owner-focused financial decisions with both company objectives and personal wealth goals.
Evaluate tax-sensitive strategies including AMT planning, Roth conversions, business owner tax planning, and retirement coordination to help improve after-tax outcomes.
Plan for Medicare coverage, IRMAA exposure, long-term care needs, and protection strategies that help preserve retirement assets and reduce healthcare uncertainty.
We begin by understanding your values, goals, family priorities, business interests, retirement timeline, risk tolerance, and current financial structure. This discovery phase helps ensure recommendations are built around your destination, not a generic product or one-size-fits-all model.
Barking Sands Capital brings independent advice, integrated planning, and relationship-focused service together.
Fee-based RIA structure supports transparency and advice aligned with client objectives.
InteProcess™ coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment planning into one strategy.
Founded in Michigan and expanded to Minnesota, with relationships across the Midwest.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support sophisticated planning for complex financial decisions.
Experienced advisors focused on values-based 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.
Strategic wealth management combines investment management with coordinated financial planning. Instead of managing portfolios in isolation, Barking Sands Capital evaluates retirement goals, tax exposure, insurance needs, estate considerations, Medicare decisions, business planning, and risk tolerance together. This helps align each recommendation with your broader financial picture, so your investments support specific life goals rather than chasing short-term market movement alone.
Connect with our team for clear, personalized financial guidance.
Advanced financial planning designation for comprehensive advisory expertise.
Recognized credential for fiduciary financial planning standards.
Fee-based advisory structure focused on transparency.
Share your goals, concerns, and planning priorities. A Barking Sands Capital advisor will help you understand next steps and how our integrated process may support your financial future.
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.