Asset Management
Personalized asset management with portfolio analysis, diversification strategies, separately managed accounts, and risk-aware recommendations designed to help clients pursue long-term financial goals.
Barking Sands Capital helps Utah individuals, families, business owners, and institutional investors align their money with their goals through fee-based wealth management and investment advisory services. From retirement planning to active portfolio strategies, our team brings transparent guidance, tax-aware thinking, and personalized attention suited to Utah’s growing households, entrepreneurs, and long-term financial priorities.
Integrated wealth management, investment advisory, retirement, tax, and planning services tailored around your financial goals.
Personalized asset management with portfolio analysis, diversification strategies, separately managed accounts, and risk-aware recommendations designed to help clients pursue long-term financial goals.
Integrated planning that coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning considerations through Barking Sands Capital’s proprietary InteProcess™ approach.
Retirement planning support for 401(k) rollovers, asset distribution strategies, Roth IRA conversions, retirement analysis, and business owner cash-balance plan considerations.
Strategic tax optimization that may include Alternative Minimum Tax planning, business owner strategies, and coordination between retirement decisions and tax outcomes.
Guidance for converting traditional retirement assets into Roth accounts with attention to tax liability, tax-free growth potential, and long-term retirement wealth.
Education funding planning that helps families create smart, tax-advantaged savings strategies for college and future learning expenses.
Your financial life is connected, and your advice should be too. Barking Sands Capital helps Utah clients coordinate investments, retirement income, tax planning, insurance considerations, and long-term family goals through an independent, fee-based approach. Whether you are building wealth along the Wasatch Front or planning your next chapter, our guidance is designed around your destination.
Barking Sands Capital combines independent advice, comprehensive planning, and personal attention.
Transparent fee-based guidance helps Utah clients avoid product-driven recommendations on managed accounts.
InteProcess™ coordinates tax, retirement, insurance, legal, and financial planning into one cohesive strategy.
Founded in 2004, Barking Sands Capital brings decades of advisory and planning experience.
Personal advisor attention supports Utah families, entrepreneurs, and institutions through changing financial seasons.
Experienced advisors focused on transparent, personalized 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.
Investment advisory focuses primarily on managing investments, portfolio strategy, risk tolerance, and asset allocation. Wealth management is broader, combining investment advice with retirement planning, tax coordination, estate considerations, insurance planning, and long-term goal setting. Barking Sands Capital integrates both, helping clients connect their portfolios to the bigger financial picture rather than treating investments in isolation.
Connect with our team for clear, personalized financial guidance.
Recognized credential for comprehensive financial planning expertise.
Advanced designation covering financial planning and advisory topics.
Fee-based advisory model with transparent compensation.
Share your goals, concerns, and timeline, and our team will help you determine the right next step.
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.