Financial Planning
Integrated planning that coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial decisions through one seamless process for individuals, employer plans, and institutional investors.
Barking Sands Capital helps clients connect their values, goals, and financial decisions through comprehensive, fee-based planning. From retirement and tax coordination to investment management, insurance, Medicare, and legacy considerations, our team builds integrated strategies designed to support long-term confidence, transparency, and thoughtful wealth stewardship across every stage of life.

Comprehensive planning and wealth management services built around your values, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.
Integrated planning that coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial decisions through one seamless process for individuals, employer plans, and institutional investors.
Active portfolio strategies, asset allocation review, separately managed accounts, diversification guidance, and risk-aware investment oversight tailored to your goals and time horizon.
Retirement analysis covering 401(k) rollovers, distribution strategies, Roth IRA conversions, and cash-balance planning for business owners preparing for future income needs.
Strategic tax coordination, AMT planning, business-owner strategies, and tax-aware retirement decisions designed to improve after-tax outcomes over time.
Protection planning that evaluates insurance needs, life and health coverage, and long-term risk management as part of your broader financial strategy.
Guidance for Medicare decisions, long-term care planning, IRMAA strategies, and healthcare cost considerations that can affect retirement income and assets.

We begin by learning about your goals, family priorities, business interests, retirement expectations, and concerns. This discovery conversation helps clarify what financial success means to you and where coordinated planning can create the greatest value.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs sustainable wealth management with transparency, coordination, and personal attention for complex financial decisions.
Fee-based guidance designed around client goals, not product-driven recommendations or managed-account commissions.
InteProcess™ coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning into one practical strategy.
CFP® and ChFC expertise supports advanced planning decisions for families, retirees, and business owners.
Longstanding Michigan and Minnesota roots bring relationship-focused service to clients across the Midwest.
Experienced advisors committed to values-led 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.
Sustainable Wealth Management — Financial Planning means aligning financial decisions with long-term goals, values, risk tolerance, and life priorities. At Barking Sands Capital, this includes coordinated planning across investments, retirement income, taxes, insurance, Medicare, education funding, and asset protection so clients can pursue growth while managing risk throughout each stage of life.
Connect with our team for thoughtful, personalized guidance.
Recognized advanced financial planning credential.
Advanced credential in comprehensive financial consulting.
Transparent fee-based advisory structure for clients.
Share your goals, questions, and current planning concerns. Our team will follow up to discuss next steps and help determine whether our integrated planning approach is the right fit.
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.