Audio guides for life
Frits Polman • jun 16, 2022
Image copyright © Guide-ID
‘The most important lesson of the past two years has been sustainability.’ Our CEO Frits Polman is speaking. He has been at the helm of Guide-ID for more than 19 years, and, together with a team of 20 employees, he is plotting a well-thought-out course in the world of audio experiences. The past two years with the coronavirus were tough at times – museum doors remained closed, audio guides were left unused. Thanks to flexibility, creativity, and a sharp focus on the mission, Guide-ID weathered the storm well. ‘We turned out to be more adaptable than we thought. The sudden acceleration of the digital world made its enormous potential clear. The need for continuous innovation kept us going.’ We fired some questions at our CEO.
‘In my view, sustainable business operations represent the only way forward. Launching audio guides that last a lifetime: that was my goal when I founded Guide-ID. In today's world, you don't hear that very often. For example, you usually have to replace an iPhone after only three years. This is the main reason for me to rent out and not sell our audio guides. As soon as a component breaks, we repair it. Our clients immediately receive replacement audio guides. Our device is robust and shockproof. We are talking about some serious impact or damage before it breaks. Our supplier recycles all used Podcatchers and processes them into new products.’

Image copyright © Guide-ID
‘As an engineer, innovation is in my DNA. Every day, a team of experts within Guide-ID works to make the product better. Simple to use and ingenious in terms of technology – that is our motto. The results of our technicians' research and development are not always immediately visible, but they do pay off in the long run. As an example, we are currently putting a lot of effort into developing a new Podcatcher. In addition to increasing its user-friendliness, we also want to make the device more sustainable. We will provide more news on this in a few months.’
Where do you see the biggest changes within the company: before and after the coronavirus crisis?
’‘Firstly, the coronavirus crisis had a lasting impact on the ecological footprint of our company. While we used to travel by car and by plane often, we do that a lot less now. Where possible, we now hold meetings digitally although we still like to pay our clients a live visit as well.
The coronavirus crisis also inspired us to catch up in the area of digital communication. An example of this is that we have been strongly committed to LinkedIn and regularly write articles for this platform since the coronavirus crisis began. In the area of digitalization, there are certainly future growth opportunities as well.’

Image copyright © Guide-ID
‘As a company, we have shown full understanding of the situation our clients were in. After all, we were all in the same boat. We communicated transparently, gave clients a ‘coronavirus discount’, and organized digital initiatives such as webinars to inspire them to keep making the most of audio stories. Together with our clients, we have also spent a year building up expertise on inclusion. After all, we want to embed our clients’ stories permanently in society by ensuring that everyone can use our Podcatcher. I am particularly grateful for our clients’ flexible and agile attitudes. I wish them much courage, the effects of the coronavirus are still being felt today.’
What role do your employees play?
‘Investing in a sustainable world starts with the employees. Working from home, for example, is an important part of our corporate culture. Employees are given the freedom and trust to organize their work to the best of their abilities and to maintain a good work-life balance. I admire the way the employees have adapted to the ever-changing world. We all persevere, with ups and downs. As far as I am concerned, that represents an unprecedented feat of willpower and self-discipline!’
List of Services
-
The Power of In-Person Connections: Why Meeting Our Clients Matters One of the things I love most about my role at Guide-ID is the chance to meet our clients in person. No two museums or cultural sites are the same, and every visit is an opportunity to learn, share insights, and see first-hand how our Podcatcher Pro audio tour device is making an impact. There’s something invaluable about stepping into an exhibition space, watching visitors engage with an interactive audio tour, and understanding the challenges and opportunities unique to each location. It’s in these moments that we can really help museums optimize their storytelling, making experiences more immersive, accessible, and engaging.The Power of In-Person Connections: Why Meeting Our Clients Matters
-
Unlocking Stories, Hands-Free: How Automatic Triggering Transforms Visitor Experiences Seamless storytelling made possible by the Guide ID Podcatcher Pro and cutting-edge technology.Unlocking Stories, Hands-Free: How Automatic Triggering Transforms Visitor Experiences
-
What Does It Take to Transform Museum Storytelling? Discover how Thomas Fikken, Guide-ID’s Business Development Manager, is reshaping the visitor experience with the Podcatcher Pro – where innovative audio technology meets the art of storytelling.What Does It Take to Transform Museum Storytelling?
-
Bringing Stories to Life: Guide-ID at PinchukArtCentre's La Biennale di Venezia Exhibition Since 2023, Guide-ID has had the privilege of working with the PinchukArtCentre, a vital museum of cultural significance in Kyiv, Ukraine.Bringing Stories to Life: Guide-ID at PinchukArtCentre's La Biennale di Venezia Exhibition
-
ChronoQuest: Unraveling History's Wild Adventures as Guide-ID's Fearless Business Manager! Buckle up for an exhilarating UK expedition! With Guide-ID’s top-notch audio guide solutions, I explored Cheddar Gorge’s beauty, delved into Beezeum’s captivating wonders, and soaked in the history of Portchester Castle, HMS Victory, and Hailes Abbey. The enchantment of Castell Coch left me breathless. Join me on this thrilling adventure!ChronoQuest: Unraveling History's Wild Adventures as Guide-ID's Fearless Business Manager!
-
Biblia Brugge Are you curious about what we can still learn from the Bible today? Then visit Biblia Brugge, the newly-opened Bible experience centre in the Major Seminary. You pass through long cloisters on your way before receiving a warm welcome at Biblia: ‘Take a seat and get ready for a spectacular journey.’ Once you’re comfortably seated, illustrator Klaas Verplancke’s animated film begins to play. You see various questions. Do you dare to be yourself? Do you dare to discover the unknown world? Do you dare to listen in silence? These challenging questions keep you on your toes for the rest of the visit.Biblia Brugge