Comprehensive Planning
Integrate legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment decisions into one coordinated plan designed around your goals, values, risk tolerance, and long-term financial direction.
Bring your taxes, investments, retirement goals, and risk management into one coordinated plan. Barking Sands Capital provides fee-based guidance for individuals, families, small business owners, employer retirement plans, and institutional investors seeking Tax & Financial Planning Services Near Me, with Midwest roots and offices serving clients across Michigan and Minnesota.
Integrated planning services designed to coordinate taxes, investments, retirement, insurance, and business decisions.
Integrate legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment decisions into one coordinated plan designed around your goals, values, risk tolerance, and long-term financial direction.
Create strategies for business-owner tax planning, AMT considerations, retirement coordination, and tax-aware financial decisions that support both short-term needs and long-term wealth goals.
Plan for retirement income, 401(k) rollovers, asset distribution strategies, Roth conversions, and cash-balance opportunities with guidance focused on risk management and sustainability.
Support owners with cash-balance plans, tax strategies, retirement planning, and financial decision-making that connects business success with personal financial security.
Evaluate whether a Roth IRA conversion may help reduce long-term tax exposure, create tax-free growth opportunities, and strengthen retirement flexibility.
Build and manage research-backed portfolios using active investment strategies, diversification, risk awareness, and personalized attention from an independent advisory team.
We begin by learning what matters most to you: retirement goals, family priorities, business concerns, tax questions, investment expectations, and risk tolerance. This discovery stage helps ensure recommendations reflect your values, not a one-size-fits-all product list.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs tax and financial planning expertise with transparency, coordination, and long-term client relationships.
Fee-based RIA model emphasizes transparent compensation and advice aligned with your interests.
InteProcess™ coordinates tax, insurance, legal, retirement, and investment planning in one disciplined framework.
Founded in Michigan and expanded into Minnesota, with strong relationships across Midwest communities.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support sophisticated, practical guidance for complex planning decisions.
Meet the advisors behind your coordinated financial 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 financial planner looks broadly at your full financial picture, including investments, retirement income, insurance, estate considerations, cash flow, and long-term goals. A tax planner focuses specifically on strategies that may reduce or manage tax exposure. Barking Sands Capital integrates both disciplines so retirement decisions, investment moves, business planning, and tax timing are considered together instead of separately.
Connect with our team for clear, coordinated planning guidance.
Recognized standard for comprehensive planning expertise.
Advanced credential in integrated financial guidance.
Transparent fee-based advisory structure for clients.
Share your goals, questions, and current planning concerns. Our team will help you understand the next step toward coordinated tax and financial guidance.
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.