Building a Business Around Trust and Service
By Century 21, For The West Side Newspaper
SALEM, Ore. — Lena Davidson is often described as a “triple threat,” though there is nothing intimidating about the way she does business. Friends, colleagues, and clients describe her as the kind of person they want in their corner: steady, optimistic, and transparent. Raised in Grays Harbor County, Washington, Lena comes from a long line of hardworking self-starters, and that foundation continues to shape her approach as an entrepreneur.
From Accounting to Real Estate
After nearly 30 years in accounting, Lena began to see a new opportunity. Many of her longtime clients were thriving in real estate, and their example helped her recognize how her financial background could bring added value to the industry.
“I saw what they were doing and knew that, with my background, I could bring more to the industry,” Lena said. “I also knew from my own experience as both a renter and a homeowner that I wanted to set a higher standard as a property and homeowners association manager.”
Expanding the Brand
Lena’s accounting business, originally known as Lena Davidson LLC, has grown into a third brand: Zenith Ledgerworks LLC. With support from her accounting assistant, Sam Moyer, who Lena calls a tremendous asset to the company, she plans to continue expanding that business footprint.
Her ventures now include several connected businesses and properties:
- Zenith Ledgerworks LLC, the expanded accounting brand that grew from Lena Davidson LLC
- Northstar Repair & Remodel LLC, a general contracting company and sister company to Century 21 Northstar
- A West Salem vacation rental – a modern home designed to be family-friendly and comfortable for up to six guests
Creating an In-House Maintenance Team
Northstar Repair & Remodel LLC shares the 540 Patterson address with Century 21 Northstar. Lena launched the company a little more than two years ago with one of her longtime accounting clients, creating an in-house maintenance team to support the large portfolio of homes and HOAs managed by Century 21 Northstar.
“We were able to use this book of business as our springboard to build the company’s foundation,” said Krista Haun, Lena’s office manager. “We have been steadily expanding and bringing the same great customer experience to outside clientele.”
Investing in West Salem
Lena has continued to build on that momentum. In January, she and her fiancé purchased a home in West Salem that they recently opened as a vacation rental.
“This brand-new, modern home is set up to be family-friendly and comfortable for six guests to stay and enjoy all of the great events that Salem and the Willamette Valley have to offer,” Davidson said.
She also recently completed a renovation of her West Salem office, relying on her own maintenance crew and trusted subcontractors. The bright, inviting space is now ready to welcome visitors, clients, and aspiring brokers interested in joining the Century 21 Northstar West Salem branch.
“I am proud to be part of the Century 21 brand and hope to bring in new talent that would like to join the West Salem branch of Century 21 Northstar,” Davidson said. “They would have our amazing office to work from and meet clients in, along with the vast resources Century 21 has been known for since its founding in 1971.”
Joining the Salem Chamber
Lena recently joined the Salem Chamber of Commerce, which will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the official open house of the Century 21 Northstar Salem location. The event is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sept. 11.
“I joined the chamber to meet like-minded business owners who were also interested in networking and supporting other local, small businesses like mine,” Lena said. “I am excited that they will be part of this incredibly meaningful moment in my life and my business ventures.”