Financial Planning
Integrate legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning into one coordinated strategy using Barking Sands Capital’s proprietary InteProcess™ and a team-based advisory approach.
Barking Sands Capital helps law firm owners, partners, and legal professionals align wealth, retirement, tax, insurance, and investment decisions through coordinated, fee-based advisory guidance. With CFP® and ChFC expertise, active investment management, and a client-first process, the firm builds strategies designed to support income, risk management, succession goals, and long-term financial confidence.

Coordinated wealth management services for law firm owners, partners, and professionals with complex planning needs.
Integrate legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning into one coordinated strategy using Barking Sands Capital’s proprietary InteProcess™ and a team-based advisory approach.
Build and manage dynamic portfolios backed by research, core equity selection, risk awareness, portfolio analysis, diversification strategies, and separately managed account guidance.
Coordinate retirement analysis, 401(k) rollovers, asset distribution strategies, Roth IRA conversions, and cash-balance planning for law firm owners and partners.
Address business owner tax strategies, AMT planning, Roth IRA conversion timing, and tax-retirement coordination alongside your CPA and other designated professionals.
Evaluate insurance needs and risk protection as part of a full-service financial planning approach for professionals, families, and business owners.
Support law firm owners with business planning, cash-balance plan considerations, compensation planning questions, and coordinated strategies for owner-level financial decisions.

The advisory team begins by learning your law firm role, income structure, business interests, family priorities, risk concerns, and long-term objectives. This discovery step creates the foundation for advice that reflects both professional responsibilities and personal wealth goals.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs transparent structure and credentialed guidance with coordinated planning for law firms and their clients' complex wealth decisions.
Fee-based RIA model promotes transparency and avoids commissions on managed accounts.
InteProcess™ coordinates tax, legal, insurance, retirement, and investment planning professionals.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support sophisticated advice for complex professional wealth decisions.
Personalized service combines large-manager sophistication with attentive advisor relationships.
Credentialed advisors delivering coordinated, client-first 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.
Wealth advisory services combine financial planning, investment management, retirement strategy, tax coordination, insurance review, and estate considerations into one organized plan. For law firms and legal professionals, this often means aligning partner income, business ownership, retirement contributions, risk management, and long-term family goals so decisions work together rather than in separate silos.
Get answers from a credentialed advisory team.
Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.
Advanced credential for integrated wealth guidance.
Licensed support across investments and insurance planning.
Share your goals, concerns, and current planning questions. Barking Sands Capital will respond with next steps for a focused advisory conversation.
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.