Doug Abbotts entered active military service for the Air Force in 1970 as an airman trained to operate USAF power plants and served on active duty until 1974. In 1976 he joined the Colorado Army Guard then transferred to the Air National Guard where he was commissioned Second Lieutenant through the ANG Academy of Military Science. His reserve military career continued as a public affairs officer until his retirement as an Air Force Reserve Major in 1997.

As a civilian, Abbotts founded and served as CEO of Morning Star Business Group, Inc. in Colorado operating several companies serving people with disabilities. Morning Star Elevator provided accessibility improvements for commercial buildings and homes. Morning Star Mobility was a full-service vehicle dealership selling and servicing accessible vans, driving controls and wheelchair lifts. Morning Star Coachworks was a full service recreational vehicle dealer and commercial van converter.

After selling the companies, Abbotts joined the DoD civilian workforce assigned to the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Systems Command in Maryland. He served as a public affairs officer until being promoted to the Office of Naval Research in Virginia as the program manager for Strategic Communications. He was awarded the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Metal at his retirement in 2017.

Abbotts holds a BS degree in Mass Communications from Colorado State University-Pueblo. He resides in Henderson County, North Carolina with his wife Karen.