Lake Forest, IL – Sho-Link Incorporated, a premier installation and dismantle (I&D) service company headquartered in Lake Forest, IL, is proud to announce the retirement of David Benson and appointment of Jose Herrera as the new San Diego City Manager.
David Benson notes, “From pre-show to set up and tear down and everything in between, 20 plus years in the tradeshow industry with Sho-Link taught me resilience, teamwork and pride in every detail! I am very grateful and lucky for the ride Sho-Link has given me and ready for what’s next. The impact of this career has had on me will last far beyond any event. Long days, tight deadlines, and countless shows, my motto was always to be fair in my leadership role and always do the best you can every day, and it will rub off on people around me. The friendships I built, the teams who trusted me and the lessons I’ve learned will forever stay with me. This is not the end of a career; it’s the celebration of an incredible part of my life! My favorite part of this job has always been making new relationships with our clients and most of all mentoring our employees to always keep advancing their talents!”
“Dave has been a true bright spot in California for many years. His ability to relieve clients’ stress and worries on the show floor and provide a balanced crew goes unmatched. His willingness to accept change and take charge will be greatly missed. For all you have done throughout your career with Sho-Link, it is no wonder our members and their clients use the term “Mr. Adorable” when they speak your name. You will be greatly missed. Congratulations on your retirement Dave!” states, Rob West, Vice President of Operations.
Herrera has been in the industry since 2011; he has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to excellence. Starting as a runner, he quickly rose through the ranks to become a lead, then a Traveling Supervisor, and eventually a floor manager overseeing entire shows. His reputation for reliability and leadership led to frequent client requests for him to lead large booth installations, and he soon built a loyal base of regular clients. By 2019, Herrera had become a trusted figure in the field, managing complex show floors with precision and professionalism and was named as “Employee of the Year” for his excellence. Herrrea, promoted to Assistant City Manager in November 2025, has continued to excel in managing shows in San Diego. “As I look ahead, I’m excited for what the future holds. I know I’m standing on a strong foundation, surrounded by an amazing team here in the SoCal/San Diego region and across the nationwide Sho-Link network,” says Jose Herrera, San Diego City Manager.
“It is with great admiration and pride that I pass the baton to Jose Herrera as the new city manager of San Diego! I always knew that Jose Herrera would be in a leadership role with Sho-Link somewhere along his path to success, and look at him now! His work ethic and enthusiasm are very impressive, and I feel very fortunate to have such a talented individual carry on the legacy of Sho-Link San Diego,” relates David Benson, former San Diego City Manager.
Joe Terzi, Regional Manager, observes, “I’m excited for Jose as he steps into the role of San Diego City Manager. His knowledge of the show floor and commitment to customer service are exceptional. I have full confidence in him and his abilities, and I see a bright future ahead for Sho-Link San Diego.”
“Jose has worked countless hours and earned the right to be called San Diego City Manager. His tireless dedication and commitment to Sho-Link goes beyond the every day expected into a whole other category. I cannot wait to see what Jose brings to the table and where his path will lead him. You deserve this, Jose!” states Rob West, Vice President of Operations.
At Sho-Link, our mission is rooted in building lasting relationships and delivering elite I&D labor services across the nation. As the only I&D cooperative in the industry, our legacy is one of collaboration, trust, and excellence. The appointment of Jose Herrera is a testament to that legacy, recognizing not only his personal achievements but also the strength of the mentorship and teamwork that define Sho-Link’s culture. We are proud to welcome Jose into his new leadership role and look forward to the continued innovation and excellence he will bring to the San Diego region.
For more information about Sho-Link, visit www.sho-link.com.
submitted by Sho-Link Incorporated
